Backsplash tile around window frame and where to end it--help needed!

7 years ago

Two tile "design dilemmas"...

1. Should we keep the backsplash cabinet height level behind/around the window frame, or should we take it to the ceiling since the cabinets/molding will go to the ceiling on both sides of the window frame? There is 3.25 inches on each side of window between the trim and the cabinets. We will do a new curtain on the window and have a glass pendant that will hang down in front.

2. Is it standard to end the tile in line with the top cabinet rather than where the countertop ends? It looks odd to me, and I'm worried it will look weird when it's finished that way. Tile in the picture below is to show where the tile would end if lined up with the upper cabinet.

THANK YOU!!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Business_Name_Placeholder

7 years ago

Tile all the way up is quite popular these days.

Photo examples.

Tile to ceiling with crown continuing across.

Tile to ceiling with crown touching ceiling & not connecting crown

My favorite, plus like how they did the window sill.

Tile up to bottom of wall cabinet

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Comments (12)

PRO
Skippack Tile & Stone
7 years ago
The backsplash is part of the counter not the cabinets; take it to the edge. As far as tiling around the window, that's a personal preference.
Kathryn P
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I think many people would suggest tiling up around the window, but in your case (space that is more narrow than the tile) I would end it at the cabinet height. If you continue up you'll likely just have lots of same size cuts stacked one on top of the other, which will look a little strange. If you had more space, sure, go all the way up.
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PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
7 years ago
Take the tile to the edge of the countertop, if it's that close to the wall you might want to use a tile strip. In this case I would take it up to the ceiling since it's a small space and it would make a nice impact, but it's not necessary.
PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
7 years ago
I'm one of the people that hates to see tile jut out beyond the edge of a wall cabinet. I end tile in line with the wall cabinet and not the countertop. It would depend upon the tile. Given the size of the space, I would say not to carry it up around the window unless it is a mosaic type tile.
PRO
Business_Name_Placeholder
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Excuse me for going off topic a moment, noticed the lighting in 1st picture looks kind of yellow. The 2nd pictures lighting looks nice. Is it a dimmer or different light bulbs?

A simple light bulb change can eliminate the yellow hue on cabinets.
PRO
Business_Name_Placeholder
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
In this situation, if doing just under wall cabinets, I would stop the back splash under wall cabinets. If it goes past the wall cabinets, sometimes it looks odd.
Rachel Munafo thanked Business_Name_Placeholder
PRO
Chi Renovation & Design
7 years ago
In reality you can take the tiling up to the ceiling end at the cabinet height. As you can see below we have two designs were we ended at cabinet height. It is definitely up to you though.
Retro Kitchen Remodel in Humboldt Park Chicago · More Info

White Kitchen · More Info
Dawn Casler Reamer
7 years ago
I tiled around my window- personal preference
LeAnn Lunak
5 years ago
I have a vaulted ceiling so my cabinets dont go to the ceiling. I was thinking about putting my tile up to the top of the cabinet right under the trim. thoughts?
darbuka
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
We stopped our tile at the cabinets. Click to enlarge.
PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
LeAnn,, and it's too bad your cab height and window trim height aren't the same. it would look better if you took it to the top of the window.

You're going to have to stop and inch or two below it. it may look a little off. Consider tiling to the bottom of your cabs and stopping there.