Large Tile Backsplashes - Take Your Farmhouse Kitchen Style to the Max

Large format tile is having a major moment in kitchen backsplash design. These oversized tiles create a bold, seamless look perfect for contemporary spaces. But did you know they can also take farmhouse style to the next level? Large tile backsplashes bring cozy kitchens into the modern era.

Big tiles help open up small spaces and pair beautifully with rustic elements like exposed beams, chunky shelving, and distressed wood accents.

Benefits of Large Format Tile for Backsplashes

More Seamless Look

One of the biggest perks of large format backsplash tile is having fewer grout lines interrupting the surface. This creates a much cleaner, more uniform aesthetic than small mosaic tiles or subway tile layouts. For farmhouse kitchens, opting for bigger tile pieces helps modernize the rustic style.

Large tiles also visually expand cozier farmhouse kitchens that need to maximize every inch. The seamless look makes spaces feel more open compared to busy backsplash tile arrangements.

Quicker Installation

Since large format tiles have fewer pieces, installation is typically faster and easier than small tile designs. There are simply less grout lines to set and tiles to cut and arrange on the wall.

Labor savings are more noticeable the larger the tile size you select. While 12x24 inch tiles already have installation benefits over a classic 3x6 inch subway tile, jumbo options like 16x48 inch porcelain planks speed things up even more.

Large Tile Design Ideas for Farmhouse Kitchens

Mix Natural Stone and White Subway Tile

A great way to bridge modern tile with farmhouse style is pairing natural stone and white subway tile. The subway tile ties into the classic farmhouse aesthetic. Meanwhile, the stone adds texture and helps give the space a more updated look.

For the subway tile, stick with a clean, bright white. Then choose a marble, travertine or limestone for the stone rows. Weaving the two different tiles together creates appealing visual contrast.

Go for an Oversized Brick Pattern

Brick patterns immediately give a nod to old-world construction and vintage architecture. But when created in a contemporary jumbo scale with oversized “bricks,” it feels fresh and modern.

Be sure grout lines are a bit thicker so the brick pattern remains defined. Keep rows straight and tidy for a geometric look. The imperfections of natural stone bricks also lend rustic charm.

Use 12x24 Planks Vertically

Using 12x24 planks in a vertical orientation is an easy idea that subtly shifts the perspective in a farmhouse kitchen. Aligning the long edge vertically helps draw the eye up and elongate the whole space.

The plank height also balances other busy elements like exposed beams, open shelving, or decorative tile accents. Finish off the top with a thick wood floating shelf to tie everything together.

Choose Warm Tones Like Beige and Gray

White subway tile is a farmhouse go-to, but large format tile expands your options for colors. Warm beiges, taupes and light grays work beautifully as a farmhouse kitchen backsplash. They bring in movement while avoiding starkness.

Keep the tones soft and muted. Stay away from super dark or bright colors that feel out of place. Neutral earth tones enable farmhouse charm to shine through.

Selecting Large Format Tile Materials

Porcelain and Ceramic

For a budget-friendly option, porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most cost-effective materials for large format backsplashes. Durability and easy maintenance make them suitable for busy kitchen spaces.

Matte and lightly textured finishes help avoid a sterile vibe. Warmer white and beige tones look especially inviting. The minimal pattern also complements eclectic collections of farmhouse décor.

Marble Tile

Marble tile brings natural beauty and elegance to a farmhouse kitchen backsplash. Each piece has distinctive veining and movement for tons of character. Though pricier, marble makes a big impact.

Since marble etches easily, consider sealing it regularly. A honed finish helps limit signs of wear. The soft white and gray palette of marble ties in seamlessly with farmhouse styles.

Glass Tile

Glass tile is an often-overlooked material for large format designs. It comes in a wide variety of colors, finishes and patterns - including a subway tile style. Reflective glass tile also brightens up smaller farmhouse kitchens.

Compared to natural stone, glass tile costs less, is lower maintenance, and provides resistance to moisture and mildew. Use it to add pops of color or metallic shine.

Grouting and Installing Large Tile

Reinforce Walls and Framing

Due to the weight of large format tiles, take steps to ensure underlying walls and framing are secure. This prevents cracked tiles or pieces popping off down the road. Thicker tiles require robust backing and proper adhesion.

For wood studs, add bracing horizontally along the length of the wall at the recommended heights. Concrete block or brick walls may need anchors and fasteners driven into the mortar joints.

Use Non-Sanded Grout

With the thin grout joints of large tile, non-sanded grout is the best choice. It allows for a smoother, less grainy finish. For wider joints up to 1/8 inch, non-sanded grout still works well and hides the lines.

Choose whether to match the grout color to the tile for a seamless look or go for a contrasting grout. Dark grout paired with white subway tile is striking. Just be sure to seal the grout periodically.

Consider Hiring a Pro

Tackling a large format tile backsplash as a DIY project can be done, but there are benefits to hiring a professional installer. The precision required is much greater compared to small tile.

Experienced pros also have the right tools like tile leveling systems to achieve flawless finished results. And they have experience working with the weight, cuts, patterns, and grout joints of oversized tile.

Tying It All Together

Mix and Match Patterns and Textures

While large tile can make a statement on its own, incorporate additional elements for even more interest. Mixing up tile patterns, alternating finishes, or adding an accent mosaic blend seamlessly with big tiles.

Natural wood floating shelves, reclaimed wood beams, stone countertops also integrate beautifully with contemporary tile backsplashes. Play with combining modern and rustic.

Incorporate Rustic Farmhouse Elements

Beyond the backsplash, incorporate other farmhouse characteristics to create a cohesive look. Open wood shelving, vintage-style lighting pendants, and retro hardware pair nicely with large tile.

A classic apron front sink, wire basket storage, galvanized metal stools and other rural touches offset sleek tile and keep spaces feeling homey.

Create a Cozy Focus Point

Use a large tile backsplash to define a particular area or focal point in the kitchen’s layout. Center it around a breakfast nook, bar area or coffee station to make these smaller spaces feel more intimate.

Drawing the eye to a specific spot makes a farmhouse kitchen more functional. It also highlights charming details like an antique window over the sink.

With creative pairings and unique applications, oversized tile backsplashes can be right at home in vintage farmhouse kitchens. Large format tile styles like planks, bricks, marble, and subway shapes all work beautifully.

Big tiles help modernize and elongate cozy farmhouse spaces in stylish new ways. Take your kitchen backsplash design to the next level by going big and bold with on-trend large format tile.