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Matte or glossy backsplash tile? Have matte finish Corian counter

15 years ago

We have a Corian counter (color is Antartica, which is white with white "particulates") with a matte finish. The cabinets are a medium-stained maple. So the next step is to select the tile for the backsplash. We are looking for a "timeless" kitchen, that can be accessorized with various colors over time.

So if we select a white tile for a backsplash (perhaps a herringbone or other design over the cooktop), do you think a matte finish on the backsplash tile will be okay? I'm seeing a lot of matte finish on recent tile installs and think this may look better over the long run. Any thoughts?

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redroze
15 years ago
I had the same question - we have glossy granite and I decided to go with matte tiles, and people said it gives a good contrast similar to matte soapstone with glossy tile. It's really a matter of preference I think. Matte has a much more "quiet" look so if you like that, go for it. I think if you're doing a herringbone design it may look better with glossy tile. I can't remember who did it...I believe Mamadadapaige has a herringbone design with really nice glossy tile. I THINK she has matte soapstone.
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I'll check out the 180fx laminates. I know that there are some incredible looking laminates out now..I just don't want anything that approximates granite as that's just what I tore out! skydog...that's my concern as well. I have a 7' window over my sink. My kitchen is "L" shaped with an island..so lots of light on my perimeter counters. Like I said I'm a lazy neat freak which is why I've always preferred the matte look :) linelle..are you saying that you like the look, but the light/reflection is an issue because it shows dirt/dust/whatever??? I am looking at a dark taupe...I'd love the name of your quartz? Poohpup..I'm surprised that you don't like your Corian...my parents have had Corian for 30+ years and while my mom cracked (heat issue maybe?) it at 5 years out (my dad replaced the damaged piece with an inlaid butcher block cutting board)they love their countertop and say it's really user friendly..very little upkeep. My mom cooks alot and she has no stains on her streaky white design. Leather granite sounds very cool BTW.
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Check out a line by florida tile-Pietra Art/Classic Mosaics. 3x6 subway /China White---you can get in polished or honed. Even the polished isn't super shiny. It's on one of the many boards I have home now.. I don't know price yet. We haven't gotten that far. I really like the looks of the product though. #1 for me right now. Good luck in the search. P.S.--there's also one on the board called White Statuary that looks interesting.
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Someone posted a reveal recently, confessing that she felt a bit unsure about her results, especially her BS. I know the feeling. I feel as if I've betrayed the prime directive when I see my BS paired with the counter. But my DH loves that granite so much, and I decided to get the BS I was going to see from the livingroom couch. And, yes amyfgib, my mare is the color of my lower cabinets and my gelding is white, brown and black. :) Thanks to all for your posts. It really is a kindness to take the time to tell a stranger they have a pretty BS.
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