how to match your kitchen countertops with the right tiles

When you’re renovating or designing a kitchen, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to pair your countertops with the right tiles. Whether you’re going for a sleek modern look or something warm and traditional, the right combination can completely transform the space. It’s all about finding balance between style, function and personality.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to match your kitchen countertops with tiles that complement them beautifully.

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Table of Content:

Start with Your Countertop
Stick to a Cohesive Colour Palette
Don’t Forget Texture and Finish
Consider Your Kitchen Style
Sample Before You Commit
Don’t Overlook Grout Colour
Browse our range of kitchen tiles

Start with Your Countertop

Your countertop is often the visual anchor of your kitchen, especially if you’ve chosen something bold like granite, quartz or marble. Because of its size and prominence, it usually makes sense to start here. Once you’ve locked in your countertop, you can look for tiles that enhance its colour, pattern and texture.

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Tip: If your countertop has a busy pattern or bold veining, go for more subtle tiles to avoid visual clutter. On the other hand, if your countertop is plain or neutral, you can have more fun with tile colours, textures or patterns.

Stick to a Cohesive Colour Palette

Your tiles and countertop don’t have to match perfectly, but they should belong to the same colour family or have complementary tones. This helps create a sense of flow and harmony in your kitchen.

Light countertops

how to match your kitchen countertops with the right tiles | light marble countertop with white subway tiles

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Light countertops (like white quartz or pale marble) pair well with soft neutral tiles, classic subway tiles or even pale pastels for a fresh, airy feel.

Dark countertops

how to match your kitchen countertops with the right tiles | black kitchen

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The latest trend in kitchen design is pairing dark black or charcoal countertops with matching tiles on the walls for a seamless, modern aesthetic. Alternatively, using a dark tile in a similar tone creates a bold, dramatic look that feels both luxurious and contemporary. This monochromatic style adds depth and sophistication to your kitchen, especially when balanced with warm lighting or natural textures like wood.

Don’t Forget Texture and Finish

Tiles come in all sorts of finishes – glossy, matte, textured or smooth. The finish you choose will affect both the style and the practicality of your kitchen.

Glossy tiles

how to match your kitchen countertops with the right tiles | glossy marble countertop

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Glossy tiles reflect light and can make smaller kitchens feel brighter.

Matte tiles

Matte tiles have a more understated, modern look and are great for hiding fingerprints.

Textured tiles

Textured tiles can add depth and interest, especially if your countertop is very sleek.

Try to mix finishes thoughtfully. For example, pairing a polished stone countertop with matte or handcrafted-looking tiles creates a pleasing contrast.

Consider Your Kitchen Style

Think about the overall style you want for your kitchen. Your countertop and tiles should both support that vision.

Modern kitchens

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Try pairing a waterfall quartz countertop with large format porcelain tiles or sleek metro tiles in a stacked layout.

Rustic or farmhouse kitchens

how to match your kitchen countertops with the right tiles | rustic farm kitchen with mosaic tiles

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A wooden or concrete-look countertop works beautifully with handmade-style tiles or mosaic patterns.

Classic kitchens

how to match your kitchen countertops with the right tiles | splashback backsplash subway tile classic kitchen

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Marble-look countertops paired with traditional subway tiles never go out of style.

If you love making a statement, try combining a patterned tile splashback with a minimalist countertop to let the tiles shine.

Sample Before You Commit

Always order tile and countertop samples before making a final decision. Place them side by side in your kitchen and observe them at different times of the day. Natural light, artificial light and shadows can all affect how colours and finishes appear.

Don’t Overlook Grout Colour

Grout is the unsung hero of tile design. It might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the final look. Light grout will blend in and keep things subtle, while dark grout adds contrast and makes the tile pattern pop.

Make sure your grout colour complements both your tiles and countertop to create a polished, cohesive look.

Matching your kitchen countertops with the right tiles doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about finding balance between colour, texture and style. With the right combination, you’ll create a kitchen that’s not only functional but also a true reflection of your taste.