12 ways to use herringbone tiles for your kitchen backsplash

why choose a herringbone kitchen backsplash?

there are many reasons to choose a herringbone tile layout for your kitchen backsplash. a few of them? the pattern has timeless appeal, adds visual interest, and is easy to customize, no matter the style you are going for.

timeless appeal

the herringbone pattern has been used in design for centuries, from roman roads to classic wood flooring. its long history and enduring popularity mean that it won't go out of style, making it a timeless choice for the kitchen backsplash.

the pattern also adds an element of sophistication and elegance to a space — a major plus if that’s the aesthetic have in mind for your kitchen.

visual interest and depth

the zigzag pattern of herringbone creates a dynamic visual effect that draws the eye, adding movement to the space. overall, this can help a kitchen feel more lively and interesting. the interlocking design of the tiles also adds depth and dimension, making the backsplash a focal point that stands out against simpler, flat surfaces.

versatility in design

herringbone tile backsplashes are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to a wide variety of design styles, from classic to modern. for starters, the layout welcomes all types of tile, whether you have your eye on ceramic, marble, zellige, or earthy brick tile. (the tile need only be rectangular.) moreover, the pattern works well with different color schemes, from classic whites and neutrals to bold and vibrant hues.

ways to use herringbone tiles for your kitchen backsplash

given how versatile the herringbone layout can be, it would be impossible to count the ways herringbone can grace your kitchen backsplash. but we can think of 12 tried-and-true options.

1. classic white herringbone

if you love the look of classic subway tile but want to add a healthy dose of rhythm, a herringbone layout could be just the thing for your kitchen backsplash. choosing a grout color that closely matches your tile will keep the look somewhat subdued, while opting for a contrasting grout will make the pattern pop. (you decide how much.)

subway tile isn’t your only white tile option here, either. for a fresh spin, you might consider weathered white zellige or glazed brick tile instead.

2. vertical installation for a unique effect

most people imagine herringbone in the horizontal, creating a zigzag effect that very closely resembles a chevron. (there is a difference between the two, by the way.) but the herringbone layout can also be turned 180 degrees to create a vertical installation. oriented this way, the pattern draws the eye upward — a bonus if your kitchen is home to an impressive range hood or beautiful shelving.

there’s also an in-between option: rotating a horizontal herringbone pattern 45 degrees to create more of a basketweave or stair-step effect.

3. introduce colorful accents

who says herringbone tile needs to be one color? this is a great time to experiment with a streaked tile such as calacatta viola marble, or with a tile that has considerable color variation. (just be sure to blend, blend, and blend some more.)

another option: pick up a few tiles that are a different color entirely from the rest of your tile. this can add unexpected points of interest to your backsplash, playing up the rhythm that a herringbone layout offers.

4. add glamour with metallic herringbone

if you’re playing with color, why not go metallic? gold and platinum glazed tile adds an unexpected touch of glam, turning the backsplash into a focal point of the kitchen. (see our essaouira lustre blend bundle in zellige for proof.) and a little goes a long way.

interestingly, metallic tile also makes for the ultimate neutral, so it can fit into a wide variety of color schemes. if your kitchen sees abundant natural sunlight, there’s another advantage here: metallic tile reflects light beautifully.

5. mix herringbone with other patterns

if you really want to make your herringbone tile layout stand out, consider surrounding it with simpler tile layouts, such as a classic running bond. we often see this technique used to emphasize the range hood area of the kitchen backsplash.

not sure about mixing tile layouts on the wall? you can also create visual interest by opting for a contrasting tile layout on your floors (or kitchen island).

6. mixed materials for texture and interest

most choose a single type of tile when planning a herringbone backsplash, but remember: nothing is stopping you from mixing materials. when done discerningly, this can add textural and visual interest in a powerful way.

the key is to choose tiles that match in size — such as 2 inches by 8 inches. and, it should go without saying: this is one scenario where it’s crucially important to partner with a skilled contractor who has the expertise to make this approach look seamless.

7. contrasting grout

we have a lot of feelings about grout. namely: it’s a critical element of the whole design process. it is often overlooked. and it can make or break (literally) your entire tile installation.

if you’re contemplating using a herringbone layout for your kitchen backsplash, chances are you have an affinity for the bold and adventurous. and a contrasting grout makes the overall look even more so, outlining each tile and drawing attention to the intricate zigzag design.

something to keep in mind: should you go for too much contrast with your grout, you could undermine your entire project. black grout paired with white tile may offer a dramatic look, for example, but it should only be used on tiles that are not porous. and if your tile has any crazing or noticeable texture, high-contrast grout could actually create undesirable changes in the color of your tile.

8. bold and vibrant colors

a herringbone kitchen backsplash need not be white tile on off-white grout. (though that’s a classic combination for a reason.) choosing a bold and vibrantly colored tile plays up the energy that a herringbone layout brings. and as with many other design approaches we’ve already discussed: it turns the kitchen backsplash into a focal point, too.

for those who favor modern or eclectic design, a boldly colored tile is an especially popular choice for a herringbone kitchen backsplash.

9. subtle and neutral tones

on the flip side, subtle and neutral toned tiles can stand beautifully on their own. take not-so-basic white tile. it can range from earthy to otherworldly, depending on whether you’re looking at textural glazed brick, luxe natural marble, or perfectly imperfect zellige. (and let’s not forget glossy-smooth ceramic subway tile.) then you have the whole range of neutrals and earth tones to choose from.

the beauty here is that there is a neutral tile for any and every aesthetic. ceramic tiles tend to lean classic and dependable, while glazed brick pulls rustic flair into the mix. natural marbles lend full-on elegance (and talk about variety). fancy yourself patina person™, but want to look beyond marble? may we introduce: cement tile.

10. incorporate geometric patterns

because it’s made up of rectangular tile and creates a signature zigzag pattern, the herringbone tile layout adds geometric flair to the kitchen backsplash all on its own. but if you want to dial things up a few notches: it’s possible to play up this pattern even more. using two contrasting tile colors or incorporating accent tiles, for example, can play up movement this layout creates.

11. large format herringbone

a herringbone layout is usually created with rectangular tiles that lie on the smaller side of the spectrum. think: 3 inches by 12 inches, 2 inches by 6 inches, or 1 by 3.75 inches.

but that’s not to say you can’t use a larger format tile. in fact, a large format tile could create an unexpected twist on this classic layout, especially the kitchen backsplash you are tiling is large in size. you could, say, use a marble field tile that’s 12 inches by 24 inches to make a big statement.

just keep in mind that the width-to-length ratio of the tile you use will have an impact on the overall look of the layout. a shorter, wider tile tends to create more of a basketweave look when laid in a herringbone pattern. a longer and narrower tile, on the other hand, tends to emphasize the zigzag effect of the herringbone layout.

12. create a gradient effect

if you’re itching to put a creative spin on the classic herringbone layout, you might consider incorporating a gradient effect into your install. this can be done using multiple colors of tile that fall within the same color family.

one thing worth noting: it can be difficult to make a gradient effect look intentional in your tile installation. so, while every tile installation requires your contractor to blend the tile before setting it in place, it is especially crucial for this approach.