Red backsplashes are a bold and dramatic choice that can add vibrancy and flair to any kitchen design. From rich burgundies to fire engine reds, a red backsplash makes a statement and serves as an eye-catching focal point. Whether you prefer traditional elegance or contemporary chic, a red backsplash is sure to heat things up and bring warmth and energy to your cooking space. Here are 15 ravishing red backsplash ideas to ignite your inspiration!
Why Choose a Red Backsplash?
A red backsplash offers many benefits for your kitchen:
- Pops of Color: A red backsplash adds a vibrant splash of color and livens up an otherwise neutral palette. It makes a kitchen feel fun, playful, and full of personality.
- Visual Impact: The eye is naturally drawn to red tones. A red backsplash creates visual interest and depth, adding dimension to the design.
- Timeless Appeal: While trends come and go, a red backsplash is a classic look that will stand the test of time. Red is always in style.
- Complementary Contrast: Red pairs beautifully with many colors like white, black, grey, brown, and blue. It looks especially striking against a white kitchen.
- Focal Point: A red backsplash serves as a dynamic focal point and brings warmth to the ambiance. It creates an instant conversation starter.
Whether you want something bold and dramatic or prefer a subtle pop of color, keep reading for gorgeous red backsplash inspirations for your kitchen.
Traditional Elegance
Traditional kitchen designs featuring rich wood cabinetry, intricate tilework, and timeless shapes and patterns are perfectly complemented by the addition of a red backsplash. Sophisticated red tones add a touch of classic beauty.
1. Ruby Red Glass Subway Tile
Glistening ruby red glass subway tiles in a traditional brickwork pattern make for an elegant backsplash. Paired with cream cabinets and granite countertops, this look is luxurious and timeless. The repetitive design has a rhythmic, soothing effect.
2. Fired Brick
For an Old World look, use rectangular tiles in an earthy, rustic red tone. The variegated colors and mottled texture creates the illusion of aged, fired brick. Antiqued cabinetry and copper pots complete the traditional vibe. Fired brick backsplashes work especially well in Tuscan, Mediterranean, or Farmhouse style kitchens.
3. Rich Burgundy Marble
Few materials say timeless elegance like marble. Burgundy marble with greyscale veining has a striking, upscale look. Use large format tiles and minimal grout lines for a seamless, opulent appearance. Keep the rest of the design simple to let the gorgeous stone take center stage.
Contemporary Chic
Modern minimalist kitchens with sleek lines, crisp white cabinetry, and stainless steel accents look fabulous when contrasted with a bold red backsplash. The pop of color adds liveliness and flair.
4. Modern Glass Mosaic
Tiny glass tiles in varying shades and textures of red make up this gorgeous mosaic backsplash. The dimensional design adds visual intrigue while the color injects vibrancy. Paired with glossy cabinets and countertops, this backsplash makes a contemporary statement.
5. Vintage Red Subway Tile
A classic subway tile backsplash gets a bold makeover in red. Beveled edges and variation in tone lend vintage charm while the graphic linear pattern keeps the look modern. Great for transitional kitchens, red subway tile blends yesterday’s character with today’s cool minimalism.
6. Fiery Abstract
If you like edgy and eclectic, go for an abstract backsplash in sizzling red tones. Use a mosaic tile blend or mix different sized tiles. The random, artistic look makes a dramatic style statement in a contemporary kitchen. Let this fiery focal point be the star of your sleek, modern space.
Warm and Inviting Reds
Not all red backsplashes need to make a flashy statement. Warmer red hues in earthy terracotta, deep cherry, and autumnal brick reds create a cozy, welcoming vibe. These softer reds work beautifully in casual cottage kitchens.
7. Terracotta Moroccan Tile
Intricate Moroccan tiles in terracotta red tones give this backsplash loads of character. The handcrafted shapes and colors speak to natural, homemade charm. Terracotta backsplashes work especially well with antique wood finishes and exposed beams or bricks for rustic ambiance.
8. Wavy Brick
Variegated shades of red blend together in these wavy, handmade ceramic brick tiles. The uneven shapes and colors lend relaxed rusticity and endless visual interest. Paired with open shelving, painted cabinets, and distressed wood accents, it creates a homespun cottage vibe.
9. Cherry Herringbone
Bring texture and pattern to a red backsplash with a sleek herringbone design. The zigzag arrangement adds liveliness while the darker cherry red tones ground the look with subtle elegance. Great for Farmhouse or Craftsman style kitchens.
Vibrant and Punchy Reds
Go bold with a backsplash in a high-intensity, poppy red. These bright tomato reds pack a punch of color and make for an undeniably eye-catching focal point. Lively reds look best against crisp whites or paired with sleek metals.
10. Glossy Penny Tiles
Shiny rectangle tiles in true red bring retro diner flair. High-gloss finishes reflect light and enhance the vibrant color. Pair with white cabinetry, chrome details, and fun accent pieces for a whimsical, cheerful vibe.
11. Cherry Tomato Subway Tile
Saturated tomato red subway tiles command attention. Go for maximum effect by taking them all the way to the ceiling. The super bold color choice needs little embellishment. Keep surrounding surfaces quiet to let the vivid backsplash shine.
12. Vibrant Glass Mosaic
Hundreds of tiny red, orange and yellow glass tiles make up this showstopping mosaic backsplash. The dazzling design looks like flickering flames, imbuing the space with energy and heat. A great choice for modern or contemporary kitchens seeking a fiery focal point.
Rich and Moody Reds
For drama and sophistication, go for backsplashes in richer, moodier red tones like wine, plum, and oxblood. Deeper reds pair beautifully with dark woods and black accents.
13. Mini Wine Bottle Mosaic
Recycle wine bottles into a shimmering mosaic backsplash. Cut bottles into small tiles and piece them together for an eclectic look. The deep wine red color has a glamorous yet earthy feel, perfect for Tuscan inspired kitchens. Add old world charm with iron accents.
14. Oxblood Arabesque Tile
The Arabesque mosaic dates back centuries but looks utterly contemporary. Intricate Moroccan-inspired tiles in oxblood red make a stunning statement. Keep surrounding surfaces all white to let this gorgeous geometric design take the spotlight.
15. Plum Subway Tile
Muted plum subway tiles offer an elegant take on the recognizable subway tile backsplash. The rectilinear shape gives the kitchen order while the somber red-purple tones lend a moodiness. Match with brushed metals, black granite, and modern styling for bold sophistication.
Designing with a Red Backsplash
When incorporating a red backsplash into your kitchen design, consider the following tips:
- Color Pairings – Red looks stunning against white or black. It also complements natural wood tones. For softer contrast, pair red with greys, browns, bricks, or blues. Avoid pairing red with pink or orange.
- Material Options – Glass, ceramic, or porcelain tile, stone like marble or granite, metal like copper or stainless steel, and recycled bottles or ceramics.
- Setting the Tone – Bright, punchy reds bring energy. Darker reds create intimacy and sophistication. Terracotta and brick reds are earthy and cozy.
- Red undertones – Look for reds with blue, purple or orange undertones that coordinate with cabinets and flooring.
- Taking it Up – For maximum drama, take the backsplash all the way to the ceiling. For a subtle look, do a standard 4-6 inch backsplash.
- Grout Contrast – White or very light grey grout highlights red tile while dark grout lines mute the vibrancy slightly.
Ignite Your Kitchen with a Ravishing Red Backsplash
A red backsplash is an easy way to infuse color, WOW-factor, and personality into your kitchen design. From rich burgundies to fire engine red, there are endless shades and materials to explore. Keep the rest of the kitchen simple to let your ravishing red backsplash steal the show. Allow this dramatic focal point to set the tone for an elegant, eclectic, rustic, or contemporary kitchen space bursting with style and charm.
