Adding a tile backsplash is a great way to elevate any kitchen, bring in more texture, and protect your walls from damage. If you’re thinking about installing a new tile backsplash, vertical tiles add length to visually elongate a space while bringing it a touch of uniquely modern design appeal.

Before you begin your next kitchen makeover, check out these unique vertical tile backsplash ideas that will help you elevate your cooking space in modern style with ease.

Shimmering White Vertical Tiles Add Sleek Shine

With just the right amount of subtle texture, this white vertical subway tile is a beautiful way to add just a touch of visual interest to an otherwise traditional neutral kitchen. The classic white color of the tile used here goes beautifully with the cabinet and countertop color without distracting from the rest of the space.

By using a warm wood herringbone floor, this kitchen’s simple yet elegant design manages to bring classic and modern elements together seamlessly.

Styled by Petra Yngfalk, photographed by Frederic Boukari for Historiska Hem

Install Matching Colored Tile for a Monochromatic Look

Beautiful powder blue is the main color scheme in this charming kitchen, although black stone countertops and fixtures help to bring a subtle visual break to the space. Installing a matching light blue vertical tile backsplash keeps everything cohesive and allows the main color to carry through.

Note that the homeowner did decide to install light tan thin plank wood floors instead of blue tile so that the color doesn’t become too overwhelming. This also helps the flooring to add a warm and welcoming rustic element to the space.

via Plum Living

Try Neutral Colored Tile for a Fresh Take on Classic Kitchen Design

For years, white has been the main color found in most kitchens on cabinets, walls, and countertops. However, in this example, the design features warm, neutral hues like the rich terra cotta-colored cabinets and dark brown wood butcherblock countertop.

Adding to this theme is the oh-so-slightly textured vertical backsplash tile that echoes the warmth in shades of tan and cream to bring this kitchen’s neutral vibe together perfectly. Round black knobs on the upper and lower cabinets bring in just the right amount of contrast.

via Stadshem

Go Bold with Deep Colors and a Wall of Vertical Tile

In this kitchen, rows of thin vertical tiles cover the entire wall and feature a rich, deep greenish-blue hue. That same tone is echoed in the cabinet and countertop colors, albeit they’re slightly a shade or two different.

Choosing to install this thin tile in a vertical layout that covers the whole wall from the countertop to the ceiling is a bold choice, and it also helps bring the eye upward to carry through the same design found in the fluted wood ceiling.

The result is a truly stunning form of creative expression. Note how elements of black found on the faucet, oven, and dining chairs also bring in a subtle contrast to the space.

via Kvanum

Use White Vertical Tile to Create Contrast

Rather than adding a traditional horizontal layout, the homeowner chose to add a white vertical subway tile backsplash that extends from the countertops to the ceiling.

This technique creates a sharp, stylish contrast against the black components including the hood fan, appliances, and cabinetry. Technically, you could add any color subway tile here, but the choice to use white was a smart one since it helps to give the kitchen a dramatic, two-toned look.

Styled by Åsa Copparstad, photographed by Fredric Boukari for Historiska Hem

Make a Splash With Vibrant Blue

The almost wavy texture of this vibrant blue vertical subway tile mimics the look of calm ocean waves lapping against a sandy shoreline. A matching open wall shelf in the same color blue adds functionality and creates a definitive line between the top of the backsplash tile, the countertops below, and the wall above it.

The cabinets, dining furniture, and floor boast a soft, warm light wood that draws the eye toward the more vibrantly colored vertical arrangement.

via Plum Living

Use Vertical Tile for Pattern Play

Square ceramic floor tile in a variety of colors brings a fun touch to this kitchen, and adding simple white wall tile gives the room a unique juxtaposition. Although the white vertical tile is simple, it also brings more attention to the different types of patterns and slightly bolder colors on the floor.

While most of the components in this kitchen feature light neutral colors, the pops of black and orange on the floor give it a unique insight to complement the homeowner’s preferred personal style.

via Himlekök

Make Design Fun With Colored Tiles

There are no rules that say your kitchen has to be sterile, bland, and boring. Take this example, where the bright teal blue cabinets and lively green vertical subway tile backsplash add a cheerful, dynamic touch.

Colorful tile also helps to hide imperfections and allows you to bring new life to a dull, more traditional kitchen. The sleek brushed brass hardware also gives this kitchen a brilliant touch of modern inspiration.

via Plum Living

Mix Things Up with Different Sized Tiles

A gorgeous blue color automatically makes this kitchen a stunner. Adding light gray marble tiles in varying shapes and sizes gives it just the right amount of playful appeal. Most backsplash tile tends to be uniform in shape and size, but here, the homeowner opted to mix things up a bit and make things more interesting.

Bright gold trim, fixtures, and cabinet hardware pop against the beautiful blue. The large white porcelain enamel farmhouse sink rounds out this kitchen’s endlessly charming aesthetic.

via Himlekök

Make Your Backsplash the Main Focal Point

In this kitchen, the beautiful cream-colored vertical tile backsplash is framed with cabinets above and on each side, drawing attention to make it the most important focal point in the space. White and gray swirled marble countertops give this kitchen a luxurious vibe that imparts a sense of style without going overboard.

The neutral dove gray cabinetry adds to the color scheme and allows the vertical pattern of the tile to be the true star of the show. Note how the fluted glass panels also work to carry the vertical tile theme through.

via Ballingslōv

Bring Sophistication to a Modern Kitchen with White Vertical Tile

Instead of incorporating complex patterns, the simple white tile in this kitchen contributes to its modern design. A section of black shelving brings a bold contrast to the white vertical subway tile that seems to slice right through the middle of the wall while complementing the black sink and matching faucet.

Dark gray and brown cabinets also give this kitchen a modern, two-toned element, and the choice to install light wood floors allows the rest of the components to shine through.

via Marbodal

Add Vertical Tile to a Range Hood

This subtly textured vertical tile features a calming color combo of cream and white. Here, the designer opted to add the same tile directly to the oven range hood to carry the design through. This option works well in kitchens with higher ceilings, since it carries the eye upward.

A sleek stainless steel countertop and oven add a pop of modern appeal, while the light wood floors and cabinets help to keep everything neutral.

via Nordiska Kök

Install a Strip of Extra-Tall Tile

Some backsplash tile goes as tall as the ceiling or covers an entire wall, but in this case, it’s added as a simple strip just behind the sink and stovetop. Because this particular tile is taller than many other options, it manages to create a working backsplash with just a single row.

Notice how the tile only extends across one wall and doesn’t carry through to the adjacent section. The light brown color of the tile goes well with the rest of the space including the wall shelves, the stone countertops, and the walls.

Styled by Studio Rydman for Historiska Hem

Install a Double Row of Vertical Tile to Add Height

Unlike the prior example, the vertical tile backsplash here was installed in two rows rather than one, adding a feeling of height to the space. Using this trick can add the illusion of making ceilings feel taller than they are.

It’s also a smart way to add another layer of protection to the wall behind the stove and the sink. Here, the choice of bright white tile is smart since it adds a vibrant pop against the gorgeous emerald green wall color. It also goes well with the wood butcher block countertop and matching white lower cabinets.

Styled by Studio Rydman, photographed by Mia Borgelin for Historiska Hem