Add Style with Mid-Century Modern Backsplash Tile

Image: Arabescato Como Quartz Kitchen Countertop & Paros White Hex 8-1/2×10 Porcelain Tile Backsplash from Arizona Tile

Mid-Century Modern (or “MCM”) is just as relevant now as when it took hold in the mid-20^th century. While some style trends fade out, then someday circle back, MCM has remained prevalent without faltering. Its take on simple, clean lines; flawless functionality, and bright accent colors gave design a whole new element to love.

Be it building a home, remodeling a home, remodeling a single room, or even heading out to buy new furniture, there are ways in each scenario to incorporate MCM. Given its lack of ornate detail and loud frills, MCM makes making design decisions a breeze. A grand kitchen overhaul isn’t necessary to incorporate MCM, it can be as simple as adding a design-focused tile backsplash. We feature many products to perfect a mid-century tile backsplash that you will love for ages!

What Is Mid-Century Modern Design?

With MCM, it doesn’t take much to achieve an astounding design. Because of its focus on straightforward lines and functionality, there is no need for added emphasis through ornate features (which could overwhelm a design and create more cleaning efforts with many nooks and crannies). Also, because of its uncomplicated, intricate design, what it offers won’t “expire,” unlike a passing trend.

Some fun characteristics of MCM are bolder pops of color and mild patterns, which can be mastered as a backsplash. These ideas work well as backsplashes because the smaller surface area allows you to make a bolder selection without having to fret about color or pattern, especially if what surrounds it is rather subdued. A well-designed mid-century modern tile or slab backsplash also creates an excellent focal area.

Predominantly white kitchens have been a popular trend in recent years, so a mid-century modern tile backsplash may be the perfect choice to add some variation. However, maybe you love consistency and want all features of your kitchen to be white, and selecting tile with a varied finish or fun pattern can add the perfect dimension to emphasize MCM’s love of organic lines.

Image: Glam Sage Matte 2-1/4 x 9-1/2 Tile Backsplash, Glam Green Glossy & Matte 2-1/4 x 9-1/2 Kitchen Island Porcelain Tile, & Glam Beige Matte 2-1/4 x 9-1/2 Wall Tile from Arizona Tile

MCM Color Backsplash

Who doesn’t love a little pop of color here or there, even if it’s subtle? While loud, bold colors may not be for everyone, a little variation can be nice. Glam porcelain tile can handle the task of either bold or subtle differences. In glossy or matte, this mid-century modern backsplash tile is very versatile. Keeping the same color throughout your kitchen? Try adding Glam with a glossy finish for some variation.

Flash is another series of colors to behold! In eight color options that have a gentle texture and soft glaze, there is a great selection that would delightfully adorn your kitchen backsplash. With graceful elegance, the color and detail of the Flash series create visual interest in many settings.

If you want to relish in some more pronounced, vibrant color, be sure to see what the Gioia series offers. 16 colors from white to black, and the whole rainbow in between, this porcelain tile with undulated texture will have all your friends wanting to mimic your mid-century modern tile backsplash.

MCM Patterns to Enjoy

Patterns don’t have to be vibrant statements (though they can if you choose!) to add dimension and variety. Paros porcelain tile is a great place to start. In black, white, and navy, these hexagonal tile options can liven up a space simply through pattern.

Paloma offers some further pattern tile options that sync with MCM. In seven neutral colors and seven sizes—like rhomboid, long hexagon, and picket—there are so many pattern options. Be it mixing colors in one pattern, mixing patterns, using one pattern with colored grout, etc., there are many ways to incorporate patterned style with MCM.

Image: Mont Blanc Satin Quartzite Kitchen Countertop and Island Countertop, & Paloma Cotton Matte 4×16 Kitchen Ceramic Tile Backsplash and Wall Tile from Arizona Tile

S-Series enters a world of additional shapes and sizes. Herringbone and scalloped mesh create soft patterns that you can love forever. These neutral colors pair seamlessly together while offering a satisfying aesthetic.  

All the above selections, in both categories, are porcelain tile. Porcelain is well-known for its durability and effortless maintenance. While porcelain is very aesthetically pleasing, there is always something about natural stone to love, and with valid reason.

Shifting now to marble, Fantasy Brown is a beige stone with brown detailing that contrasts beautifully with its white undertones. Though this marble tile comes in rectangular sizes, it is also available in hexagonal mesh stackstone, and as a slab.  Incorporating this natural material into your design makes for a stunning mid-century modern backsplash!

Image: Fantasy Brown Polished Marble Slab Wet Bar Countertop & Backsplash from Arizona Tile

Slab Vs. Tile

It’s not a competition but rather a preference. Sometimes, too many options can overwhelm the process, but this selection can help narrow things down. Tile backsplash is very common, though you don’t have to love it, and that’s why we offer Della Terra^® Porcelain Slabs. Just as effortless to care for as porcelain tile, but sans any grout lines, porcelain slabs may be your dream material. Available to mimic natural stone or as a solid color, there are design options across the board.

DT_Marvel Calacatta Apuano Polished is practically the best of both worlds. Certainly an aesthetic of MCM, this porcelain slab displays a creamy background with light, diffused veining of gold. Here’s a warning: you may love this as your kitchen backsplash so profoundly that you find other places in your home to feature it, too.

Image: DT-Marvel Calacatta Apuano Porcelain Slab Countertop and Backsplash

Expand Your Design with Mid-Century Modern Tile

The kitchen was our focus today, but there’s no need to stop there. Mid-century modern design can be the predominant theme of a home or commercial space and can vary in design from room to room. While having similar needs as the kitchen (easy to clean, durable, water barrier), the bathroom is a good space to transform as well—possibly even using the same flooring, cabinets, countertop, and backsplash to maintain a streamlined, cohesive look through the home. For MCM bathroom ideas, our bathroom photo gallery will be helpful. Here’s some more inspiration to help guide your kitchen backsplash ideas.

While you’re viewing our products and product information, be sure to take some time to enjoy and learn from our On the Surface Blog and Inspiration Corner! To gain the best visual of our products, stop by an Arizona Tile showroom or slab yard. When you have some product ideas in mind, use our Just Imagine Tile and Slab Visualizer to develop a better sense of how they will look in a layout! Have questions? Contact us!