A kitchen’s backsplash can help set the tone for the entire room. Much like a piece of bold statement jewelry or a simple diamond pendant, it can be the finishing touch that pulls a whole look together.

The backsplash can also be one of the easiest (and most affordable) areas to change out to give your kitchen an entirely new look. But besides being beautiful, your backsplash must pull its weight around the kitchen. Make sure you choose a material that will not only make a statement but also work as hard as you do. Here are five beautiful backsplash materials to consider:

1. Crystaline Stone

 Crystaline Stone, such as this yellow Golden Crystaline Marble, is a bold and exotically colored material that offers unprecedented options for unique surfacing. Improving upon nature in a very colorful way, the material uses high temperatures and pressures, combined with specially developed sealants and pigments, to molecularly fuse bold, permanent color throughout the stone. The result is a highly durable and colorful material with the same properties and characteristics as the original natural stone (which is typically White Marble or Grey Granite.) Easier to clean than traditional stone, Crystaline Stone adds an amazing ambiance to any setting, especially when backlit.

Golden Crystaline marble used as bathroom backsplash; photo via Crystaline Stone

2. Slate

Just as strong as granite, slate is versatile, low-maintenance, and dependable. In fact, slate roofs have been known to last 50 years or more! Slate backsplashes, like this multicolored mosaic featuring decorative tiles and borders, offer a warm, understated look. Shades of slate can vary with tones of black, charcoal, gray, pewter, brown, and even green, purple, blue, or red. It can be oiled for a glossy look or honed for a more rustic appearance. Slate is typically more uniform in color than marble or granite. Rather than vivid veins, it offers subtle color shifts that are equally attractive. 

Multicolored slate backsplash by Art of Tile & Stone; photo via Houzz

3. Caesarstone

When it comes to durability, few materials can match Caesarstone. This maintenance-free material is made of over 90-percent crushed quartz, to which high-quality polyester pigments and resins are added. Caesarstone is stain, heat, scratch, and chemical-resistant. It’s also nonporous so it never requires sealing. Caesarstone features solid, uniform color throughout. However, for originality, fabricators can incorporate interesting details, such as the horizontal lines shown here, letting homeowners make their own unique statement.

Caesarstone color Linen used as backsplash; photo via Caesarstone

4. Marble

This Carrara tile backsplash is unique and interesting while still retaining the elegance of marble. Whereas most Carrara marble might be polished to a more formal feeling shine, this finish feels more warm and casual. Used in buildings for centuries, marble comes in a wide variety of colors. Within that color pallet there are a variety of vein colors and sizes. Natural marble is very hard, making it a versatile choice. But it is a porous substance that requires sealing in order to be protected from water, spills, and stains.

 Carrara tile backsplash by Lyman Kitchens; photo via Houzz

5. Granite

This Baltic Brown full backsplash beautifully creates a refined look that’s “just enough” of both classic and modern. One of the most popular countertop and backsplash materials, granite is durable and water-resistant with natural antibacterial and stain, heat, and scratch resistance characteristics. There are many different types of minerals in granite, which can create a distinctive “salt and pepper” appearance. Granite comes in many different natural colors and can be polished or finished in a myriad of ways.

Baltic Brown full backsplash by LG Design Stone; photo via Houzz

Looking to add personality to your kitchen with a new backsplash? Marble and Granite, Inc. can help you identify the right material, color and style to give you the look you desire. Our stone experts can also recommend materials that fit your lifestyle, maintenance level, and budget.