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Thoughts on 8” backsplash

4 years ago

I have chosen a Tesoro Bianco marble slab for my kitchen counter. I saw this kitchen photo here on Houzz and love what she did, the backsplash not going all the way up. I don’t want the backsplash to compete, and don’t really love the whole backsplash in the counter material, seems boring to me. Any thoughts on going up 8” or so? Then I could paint the rest with a color to bring out the blue in the marble. Thanks so much!

Comments (17)

  • 4 years ago

    This is the photo that inspired me about a partial backsplash.

  • 4 years ago

    I love cut slab backspkashes like these.


  • 4 years ago

    Do you have any windows in the backsplash? That may play into how high you go.

  • 4 years ago

    I love the short backsplash look, but 8" is too tall for my taste. Under the cabinets, the proportions look choppy and strange. Roarah's cut backsplash is better. 2"-4" under cabinets, then up to the window behind your sink, and up to your hood at the range. With square corners or with a fancy cut shape.


  • 4 years ago

    I agree, the proportions are off…it looks unfinished. It also depends on your kitchen.

  • 4 years ago

    Thank you all for your input!
    So are you saying the backsplash in that picture looks unfinished/out of proportion? I was guessing at the 8” height.
    It caught my eye because it shows off the beautiful marble without overdoing it.
    I hate the 4” look, reminds us all of Formica I think!

  • 4 years ago

    It is a condo. Standing at the sink faces a partial view of the water.

  • 4 years ago

    The slab, and the floor and cabinet door

  • 4 years ago

    8-inch will create a weird almost half proportion under upper cabinets and likely require repositioning outlets.

    If you don't like 4" try 2". and 6 might work.

  • 4 years ago

    Keep in mind that the standard distance between the counter and the bottom of the upper cabinets is 18". So your 8" backsplash is just about half that distance. It will look odd, and I agree with @palimpsest's points just above. Sorry to be blunt, but your inspiration photo to me looks like the backsplash installer went out for a smoke and did not return to finish. I much prefer the kitchen that @mcarroll16 posted above.

  • 4 years ago

    Thank you all for your input… I will wait until everything is done to decide. Even though I do still like the half- bs, and really don’t like the choppy look of any of the others… have to think of resale and it seems the vast majority are saying nay!
    I just feel like tile is too geometric for the marble. Might even go with no bs! 😱

  • 4 years ago

    You could certainly do with none except behind the cooktop.

  • 4 years ago

    A painted wall with a stainless riser or full backsplash behind the cooktop is a great look. And if resale becomes a factor, it's quick to throw up white subway for the listing photos. Marble behind the cooktop is risky. https://www.gardenista.com/posts/my-dirty-secret-or-how-i-learned-to-live-with-a-marble-backsplash/

  • 4 years ago

    Oh my gosh that woman is hysterical! Thanks for the link.
    I’ve been living with crema Marfil marble for about 15 years… not sure if it is a denser stone, it does stain a bit but nothing to freak out about. It has chipped, however. So hubby said no marble for the condo.
    I looked and looked at quartzite, tried to talk myself into it, finally gave up and begged for the marble that made my heart throb.
    Btw I have never sealed my marble, someone said it’s easier to get stains out. No idea if it’s true. Will be sealing the Tesoro bianco.

  • 4 years ago

    Gorgeous slab, I like all your choices actually! Blue paint above the 8” backsplash would create a strong stripe and take attention away from your lovely marble, I think. Maybe go with a light paint, like your inspiration pic. And don’t worry too much about resale. People won’t reject the home because they it has a short backsplash, if the kitchen is attractive. All a prospective buyer would have to do is take off that backsplash and put up the tile they prefer. Waaaaay too many decisions getting made on Houzz on the basis of what some mythical, rule bound buyer wants. Personally I would lean toward using the marble for a full height backsplash, only because that would make the kitchen feel larger.

  • 4 years ago

    Mama Cita thank you!! You are funny, nice and most important like my slab!
    Yes I agree… would do a white with maybe a blue undertone. Actually doing Benjamin Moore winter white in the adjacent room, waiting to see what to paint what little there is in the kitchen.
    Really appreciate your input, and everyone else’s too!

  • 4 years ago

    Awww, thanks worthyvess! The feeling is mutual!

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