Kitchen Brick Backsplash Ideas: 5 Stylish Concepts: Small-space tested brick backsplash ideas I actually used in real kitchen makeoversUncommon Author NameOct 28, 2025Table of Contents1. Classic red subway brick — warm and timeless2. White-washed brick for bright, airy kitchens3. Herringbone brick — pattern = personality4. Painted matte black brick — drama with maintenance tradeoffs5. Mixed materials — brick plus tile or shelvesPractical planning tipFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEI once convinced a client that exposed brick would “warm up” their ultra-minimal kitchen — only to realize the mortar color made the whole room look like a bakery at 8 a.m. Lesson learned: brick can add amazing character, but details matter. If you want a practical example to study, I documented a kitchen layout case study that shows how brick interacts with cabinets and lighting: kitchen layout case study.1. Classic red subway brick — warm and timelessI love the old-school charm of red subway bricks laid in a running bond. It reads cozy and pairs beautifully with butcher block counters and open shelving. The advantage is instant texture and a forgiving, lived-in look; the drawback is it can overwhelm if your cabinets are also warm-toned. Tip: balance with cooler countertops or matte black hardware.save pin2. White-washed brick for bright, airy kitchensFor small kitchens, white-washed brick reflects light and hides minor stains — a huge daily win. I used this in a studio apartment renovation where natural light was scarce; the space felt immediately larger. Challenge: grout can still discolor, so choose sealed or white epoxy grout for easier cleaning.save pin3. Herringbone brick — pattern = personalityHerringbone brick is my secret move when clients want wow factor without going full tile mosaic. It adds motion and sophistication and works great behind a range or a statement hood. It’s a bit pricier due to labor, and tricky to install near outlets, but the payoff is worth it if you want a focal wall.save pin4. Painted matte black brick — drama with maintenance tradeoffsI once convinced a bold couple to paint their backsplash matte black. The result was dramatic and so chic in photos, but fingerprints showed more and we needed a low-sheen finish to mute glare. If you pick black, accept that occasional touch-ups are part of the charm — or use washable paint designed for kitchens.save pin5. Mixed materials — brick plus tile or shelvesCombining brick with glass tile accents or wood shelving creates layered texture and makes the backsplash feel custom. I often mock this up in a 3D render to show clients how materials play together; nothing sells the idea like a lived-in 3D render walkthrough that feels like your future kitchen: lived-in 3D render walkthrough. Budget tip: keep brick to key zones (behind sink and stove) and use cheaper tile elsewhere.save pinPractical planning tipBefore you commit, map the backsplash area and mark appliance heights and open shelves on a simple plan. I often start with a free floor plan inspiration so clients can visualize the tradeoffs and avoid surprises when installers arrive: free floor plan inspiration. Even a rough plan saves weeks of back-and-forth and costly rework.save pinFAQQ1: Are brick backsplashes practical for kitchens?I use them often — brick is durable and visually rich. Sealing and choosing the right grout will keep maintenance manageable.Q2: Can I install brick tile myself?Smaller peel-and-stick brick-look tiles can be DIY-friendly, but real brick or thin brick veneer usually needs a pro for proper adhesion and grout work.Q3: What's the best grout color for brick?Contrast creates drama, while matching grout unifies the surface. For busy bricks, I prefer a mid-toned grout to hide stains.Q4: Are painted brick backsplashes hard to maintain?Paintable bricks can be cleaned, but painted surfaces may require touch-ups over time. Use durable, washable paints formulated for kitchens.Q5: Will brick make my small kitchen look smaller?Not if you pick the right finish — white-wash or light-toned brick reflects light and can visually expand a compact space.Q6: How much does a brick backsplash cost?Costs vary widely: thin veneers and tiles are budget-friendly, real brick and custom patterns cost more due to materials and labor. Get a few quotes and factor in sealing and grout.Q7: Any safety or code concerns?Behind ranges, use materials rated for heat and check local building codes; consult a contractor for clearances and protected surfaces.Q8: Where can I find authoritative guidance on kitchen design?The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) offers standards and guidelines for kitchen planning and safety (see nkba.org for details).save pinStart for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE