Shiny or Matte Backsplash Tile?

11 years ago

I have been thinking about starting my hunt again for back splash tile. While we aren't ready quite yet to invest in appliances, I think I am ready to invest in back splash tile. Every time I am at the kitchen sink and water splashes against the wall, I think "ugh, we need tile!" So, here is the question.... I don't know if it should be shiny or matte finished tile. The granite is shiny, but should the tile be shinier too? I am going to put something quite simple up, either just subways or maybe a solid color tile in a different shape, but nonetheless, it will be solid. So, shiny or matte?

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kimpossible3382

11 years ago

That's such a struggle! I wanted honed quartzite, but they only had it in polished. I fell in love with a honed marble backsplash and bought the tile, but now I can't decide if I should leave the quartzite polished, or if I should go with my original honed desire. Too much matte or a mismatched nightmare are things I don't want..... Personally, I'm leaning towards shiny counter with a honed bs, but that's today's state of mind. Your counters are beautiful, by the way!

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Comments (12)

kimpossible3382
11 years ago
That's such a struggle! I wanted honed quartzite, but they only had it in polished. I fell in love with a honed marble backsplash and bought the tile, but now I can't decide if I should leave the quartzite polished, or if I should go with my original honed desire. Too much matte or a mismatched nightmare are things I don't want..... Personally, I'm leaning towards shiny counter with a honed bs, but that's today's state of mind. Your counters are beautiful, by the way!
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debrak_2008
11 years ago
I splash my bs like crazy every time I use the sink. Really glad we got a matte tile. It never shows water spots. The pencil line is shiny but its not at the sink.

What is your granite? Looks a little like mine :)
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Laura517
11 years ago
I see no problem with mixing shiny granite with matte backsplash or vice versa. I don't see why they would have to match. In fact if you like different layers and textures I believe this would add to that effect. Haven't ordered either yet but plan on mixing hones countertop with shiny subway tile bs in my new kitchen.

BTW I love your island! And the stools too, where did you get them?
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sprtphntc7a
11 years ago
i would go with matte. i like the mix of shiny and matte, it gives you another layer and texture like laura517 said.
our granite is shiny and b/s behind sink is matte.
b/s behind cooktop is same granite as counters.

matte doesn't show all the water marks also.
Kate618
11 years ago
We went with matte subway & LOVE how it contrasts the shiny quartzite:)
Jfay
11 years ago
I was leaning shiny because you don't have a lot of other shiny stuff like drawer pulls and faucets. Shiny might be a nice contrast.
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tanajo
11 years ago
Looks like our countertops are similar, ours is Alaska white. We went with matte grey subway tiles with a pencil line of glass. We like the contrast and the modern touch to tradition subway
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finestra
11 years ago
In my old kitchen I had a creamy yellow that had an eggshell/satin finish and polished absolute black. The tile person convinced me to go with a matte backsplash because she said all of the shine would compete. I could see her point because at night especially, there was a lot of reflection on the granite.
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MIssyV
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks to all that replied. I am still torn....

To the person that asked about the stools, they are from Target! I ordered them online about a year ago. I like them. HATE that crumbs fall into them though from our three messy kids, but I would order them again if I had to do it all over again.
debrak_2008
11 years ago
Tanajo, your BS is cool!
debrak_2008
11 years ago
Tanajo, your BS is cool!
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