I vote gloss. Nice tile!

I would like to see pics of the granite but I'm thinking try and pull the finnish and color of the black tile in you r mosaic for continuity. beautiful tile choice by the way

Matte finish - they have a polish they can put on it to bring out the true colors of the tiles once its up on the wall.

The mosaic looks like it has a rough, matte finish, so I would do the subway tile in the glossy finish to contrast with it. If you want a more contemporary look, I would select a longer subway tile in a matte finish, such as the 4x12 Urban Canvas matte black. The longer shape and the matte finish appear more contemporary to me. The gloss finish in the 3x6 looks more traditional, at least to me.

I suggest glossy.

I agree with Carolyn, I like contrast. Go for the gloss!

Glossy, it adds "pop!"

I agree with Emily and go with glossy for ease of maintenance.

Where did you find the mosaic

If the mosaic is matte, I would probably make the rest of the backsplash matte as well.

I have been agonizing over the backsplash to go with my new granite countertops. Your idea sounds perfect! I would go with the glossy longer tiles as suggested by Albert-Kincl.

Glossy would be my choice. Not only would they look best, but easier to maintain as well.

The tile information is as follows: www.originalstyle.com. The name is "earth & fire mixed mosaics" I found it at a local specialty tile shop for $36.00/ square foot. My original plan was to use this to cover my entire back splash but I was concerned with it being too busy and the high cost.

I also think glossy is the way to go. It should look great.

maybe you should do a poll! looks like lots of different opinions. I vote for Matte, but i'm not a very glossy person to begin with. :) i also just think it would look better blending in with your mosaic finish.

Hi,
I think your mosaic tile is beautiful. It seems like an opportunity to weave it together with your subway tile. Why not alternate single or double rows of the subway tile with single rows of the mosaic? The small size of the mosaic (looks like 1/2"x1/2") will contrast nicely with the black tile. I would use the glossy finish.
Best,
Nils Finne, AIA

Go to your local tile supplier and either purchase a box of each type (gloss and matte, just make sure you can return open boxes) or you can ask for some sample pieces (though they may only give you one or two without a contractor who has prior purchases from them). Either way go obtain several tiles of each and lay it out so you can actually look at it. You can lay them on the counter to see how they will blend or contrast with the counter as well.
We bring numerous tile samples to all job sites.

It really depends on the style of your kitchen. County or Modern? the tile you have would go either way, now it comes down to shiny country or matt modern.

Thank you all for your comments. My kitchen is more on the traditional side than country or modern. Does glossy tiles only go with a country kitchen?

I certainly would look at samples of both the matte and glossy subway tile next to your mosaic. Once you see the tiles together, the decision will be easy!
Nils Finne

Excellent advice. Do indeed check out how your final selections all work together. Best of luck!

Glossy tile can go in any type of kitchen. If you are more traditional in taste, I wish you would think about going back to the 3x6 subway tile, which has that classic, traditional look. The longer rectangular tile will look more modern.

In order for your mosaic black and subway tile black to "match" (or to be compatible), you should go with the matte. I see no advantage to pointing up the switching of materials by adding the element of gloss. That you have integrated the two materials is enough visually.

Perfect!!! My final decision is to go with the glossy 3x6 subway tile. I like the glossy look with the matte mosaic. Thanks everyone for taking the time to help me! I will post a picture once it is done.

go for glossy it will really give it a classy look and much easier to clean

Stunningly beautiful choices here - I like the decision you have made - and since you have the black granite countertops - pullling this into your tile design - ties everything together and NO thing is left standing alone. I am not a matchy-matchy person - but continuity has its purpose and the eye will be drawn around the entire space - we are like little crows - birght and shiney!

What is the color of your tile called? Love it!

love the tile!!!!! and I like FINNE Architect's idea of making strips and separating the tiles.... this would look truly amazing!!! Looking forward to finished look

I posted the color of the tile in a comment above. Yes, I love FINNE's idea. It is going to be so beautiful!

How tall is your backsplash and does your countertops have a 3 or 4 inch return on the wall or do you just cut directly to the wall?
Generally there is a return and you are 18" to the underside of the cabinet, I do not believe I would put in the subway, just the mosaic which is lovely. Sometimes less is more.

@cocconsultants: My backsplash is 18 inch to the underside of the cabinets. I do not have a return on the wall. Ithe counter top cuts directly into the wall. My countertop has alot of movement in it and I thought using the mosaic alone would make it too busy.

@gharris8: the mosaic is very vibrant and will really come alive as you weave single 1/2" high rows of the mosaic with the glossy black subway tile. You can play with alternating one row or two rows of subway with each row of mosaic. Of course, you could also just go full height with the mosaic, but personally, I don't think that would be my inclination, especially if your countertop has patterning.
Best,
Nils Finne, AIA

I found the website and the earth and fire tiles but did not see the name of the color that you chose. It is hard to see on the website as they do not have a close up.

can you put this mosaic up over the entire space? it would be a showstopper backsplash. that would be my preference. but, if you have to add black, i'd use one with a different sheen from the mosaic so that the mosaic gets more attention. it is a beautiful mosaic that shouldn't get "lost" in a sea of black.

@FINNE: The mosaic is actually almost an inch (7/16 of an inch). With this information, would you recommend one or two rows of black tile? @pegmcown: As soon as I get home, I will look up the color on the back of my sample.

I would strongly suggest you go right behind the countertops if you have no return top and just use the mosaic. It is a simple way to find out put one piece up with tacs long and step back and look at the sample of the top and the backsplash. Can you put up a picture if the countertops you will be surprised how small 18" really is. With all the subway etc it is too much I believe.
Or the misaic'has the be saved for another project or just used over tne stove or sink as an accent with simple glass subway in the colors you want.
being discreet lets the top show off who she is as she weaves through the kitchen, she is always the queen of the kitchen the countertops.

I apologize, I re read and found the color you have black granite, I would not put black up, I would suggest one of the following
Run your black granite as a backspalsh it is always clean simple and gorgeous and two,
let them give you a 3" return on the back, that gives you 15" a good and easy wipe down and the black touch along the bottom and then the backsplash, the mosaic is very lovely and will look stunning without subway tile going through it. And, if you did that what color grout would you use. Sometimes we need to keep it simple to make an impact. And you bags, don't over think, move to lighting.

@coconsultants:My granite is not pure black. It has shades of gold and black with red specs. All of the different shades in the granite are in the mosaic. I'll post a picture later.

@gharris8: let me say at the outset that I have no idea about the total material palette for your kitchen. So, I strongly recommend a full-size mockup of your backsplash with your countertop and cabinets before you proceed. The idea of weaving the mosaic and the black subway tile was my reaction when you initially mentioned a single stripe of the mosaic. Certainly consider using the mosaic full-height. The weaving idea will be a strong pattern in the kitchen. But, if you want to bring in the black color, then I sketched out a pattern using the 7/16" mosaic and rows of 2"x8" black glossy subway tile. From the bottom:
One row subway
One row mosaic
Two rows subway
One row mosaic
One row subway
One row mosaic
One row subway
One row mosaic
Two rows subway
One row mosaic
One row subway, cut to fit

Of course, I encourage you to play with other options! At the cooktop, the pattern will be higher, so I would just repeat the 18" high pattern. Have fun and good luck!
Nils Finne, AIA

Attached is a photo of my granite counter top, cabinetry, and the mosaic tile so that it can all be seen together. The pictures may not make this clear-the cabinet color matches the gold in the mosaic very well.
@pegmckown: The color of the mosaic is Kolkata. The color id is EW-KOLMOS.

@pegmckown: I went to the original style website as well and I couldn't find the mosaic I plan on ordering. It is on display at a local tile shop. If you are interested in ordering it, they have a dealer finders list on their website. Select the state and county and they will tell you the closest dealer to you.

Aaah, now I am starting to get the whole picture! I agree with your idea of the black subway tile, which will calm down the kitchen visually. The counter has a very active pattern. I would not do the full height mosaic backsplash, which I believe will be too busy. I actually go back to my weaving idea, since the single rows of the mosaic will tie the backsplash color back to the counter.

Hi, The eye is a funny thing when. you have too much going on tne most beautiful gets lost.
I am sorry to say I love the mosaic and would not put it with this granite. go to www.akdo.com and look at granite slabs, there are thousands. I thought with black it was great, but this is so busy it will lose your backsplash.
Why do you not do absolute honed a d keep it simple. It will pick up the colors nicely. Is that a cherry cabinet, are your appliances stainless. Stay simple amd elegant which do you love more.
The other option is to put the granite as the backsplash that always elongates the entire counter.
And, then use the pattern you were sent and make a nice large square or rectangle over sink or cook top and discreetly use your mosaic. thank you.
also is one of the largest importers in the east coast and supplies many many locations, if you are in the south old castle.

This is my last comment, I promise! I think the backsplash needs to be visually calm and predominantly black to contrast with your counter. Best of luck!
Nils

@COConsultants: Yes, the cabinets are cherry and I have stainless steel appliances. @FINNE: I agree with you and COConsultants. Keep it simple and make the backsplash predominantly black.

Hello everyone! My backsplash is finally done. Thanks for all of your input. I love my backsplash and I was able to use the mosaic I feel in love with as a tile stripe.

looks wonderful!!!! I can see why you are happy with this :) Enjoy the memories you now make in the kitchen

I would go with a glossy finish.

Why not take a step away. Absolut honed.