Without a good color scheme, the overall appearance of a kitchen suffers. Selecting a color for the backsplash often requires some consideration for the countertops, appliances, and floors. This article is going to focus on whether the backsplash should be darker than the countertop.
No, the backsplash doesn’t need to be darker than the countertop. In fact, many interior decorators would argue for the use of matching colors among the countertops, cabinets, and backsplashes for a cohesive style that complements the primary color of the room.
This is an important point to note because in most rooms, there is a primary color and a secondary color, except for rooms with a singular color.
The primary color usually occupies the largest surface areas, like walls, ceilings, and floors. The secondary color occupies smaller areas or features, like trimmings, fittings, wall decorations, cabinets, and handles.
Secondary colors also serve as highlights that draw attention to specific features in a room while enhancing the overall style or theme of the primary color.
The backsplash is a panel or section of tiles that protects the walls from damage or discoloration caused by heat and moisture from cooking and washing dishes. Since it covers a visible area of the wall, it should look attractive.
This is why backsplashes are available in a number of different colors and styles. It can become a feature piece in a kitchen or bathroom, especially when you’re trying to add some character and detail to a monotone-styled room.
Ironically, countertops serve a similar purpose.
They’re usually moisture and heat resistant surfaces installed for the purposes of cooking, cleaning, and storage.
To avoid a cluttered and mismatched kitchen, it’s best to match the countertops with the backsplash. Intentionality and the pairing of colors are instrumental in home decor.
How To Choose The Best Color Backsplash
You have three options, and they are as follows:
- Use the primary color
- Use the secondary color
- Use a statement color for the backsplash
The first option provides an opportunity for you to create a seamless blend between the walls, countertops, and backsplash.
The second option helps to highlight the backsplash along with other accessories and trimmings.
The third option creates a focal point in the room and draws complete attention to the backsplash.
As a rule of thumb, never choose a color that conflicts with the primary and secondary colors of the room.
Even if you opt for a unique or bold color for the backsplash, it should always fall within a color scheme or color palette.
You can use colors that are vastly different, provided that they do not clash, overpower, or conflict with the overall color scheme of the room.
In general, black, white, and gray tend to be the most popular colors for a backsplash. All three of these colors are quite versatile and compatible with most kitchens.
Darker colors tend to offer a stark and bold feel to the room, while lighter colors uplift the energy and reflect light to brighten the space.
Do All Kitchen Walls Need A Backsplash?
No, not all kitchen walls require a backsplash because the main purpose of one is to shield the wall from deterioration brought on by heat and moisture from cooking and cleaning.
If there isn’t a stove or tap near a particular wall in the kitchen, it doesn’t need a backsplash.
But, for aesthetic reasons, you could install a backsplash on all walls for a consistent and unique wall feature.
The main downside to this is that it costs more money, and you won’t be able to change the overall color scheme of the room because the backsplash on all walls would limit your options.
Making a drastic change would require you to replace the whole backsplash or the surrounding furniture and appliances.
One could actually argue that tiling all walls is something reserved for the bathroom and not the kitchen.
With that being said, that brings us to the end of this article on whether the backsplash should be darker than the countertop. I hope that you found it informative and helpful. Be sure to check out some of our other decor articles that are linked below.
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