Travertine Tile Backsplash Ideas

A brother of limestone, travertine has rustic appeal that can work in a number of kitchen tile backsplash designs.
A tight shot of a travertine tile backsplash in the kitchen

Travertine Tile Backsplash

A tight shot of a travertine tile backsplash in the kitchen

Photo by: Igor Terekhov

Igor Terekhov

By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

A neutral, warm-colored stone, travertine will lend an understated and sophisticated appeal to an elegant in any kitchen space. Acting instead as backdrop rather than the focal point of a kitchen, a backsplash made from travertine tiles is a prime choice for the homeowner who is looking for a simple finish to his or her kitchen area.

Choose the Best Kitchen Backsplash

See All Photos

Shop This Look

Travertine is a form of limestone, making it a porous and semi-soft material for a backsplash. This is not a problem, but it will require a coat or two of sealant to help keep mold and mildew at bay.

Travertine tiles are available in a wide variety of cream, red, gray, white and brown colors. If you are seeking a contemporary design, then you may want to consider placing the tiles in a mosaic pattern. Brick-style travertine tiles work well in a rustic kitchen, and square travertine tiles mixed with diamond-shaped tiles can work well in a Tuscan-inspired kitchen. Choose these tiles in a cream or beige color to complement this kitchen style.

If you are seeking a county look for your kitchen backsplash, then you might want to consider mixing together broken pieces of rust- and brown-colored travertine stone tiles to create a down-home backsplash. This backsplash style would work well with a kitchen island made from reclaimed barn doors or kitchen cabinetry that is faded green.

Next Up

Glass Tile Backsplash Ideas

Explore glass tile backsplash ideas, and prepare to install an attractive and efficient backsplash in your kitchen.

Tile Backsplash Ideas

Browse tile backsplash ideas, and get ready to install an attractive and protective backsplash in your home.

What's the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile?

Ceramic and porcelain tiles share many similarities, but they also have noteworthy differences. Learn the pros and cons of each material to help you decide which is the better choice for your home project.

Metal Tile Backsplashes

Get info and ideas for metal tile backsplashes, and prepare to install a durable and visually striking backsplash in your home.

Copper Backsplash Ideas

Browse copper backsplash ideas, and get ready to add a durable, visually interesting backsplash to your kitchen design.

Granite vs. Marble: Pros and Cons

We're comparing two of the most popular natural stone countertop materials, granite and marble, to help you decide which one best fits the needs of your busy kitchen.

How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Home

Learn all about the different types of tile and slabs that can be used on floors, walls and countertops including ceramic, porcelain, cement, marble and more. Plus, we’ll explain PEI rating, glazing and which tiles are easiest to install.

How to Paint a Tile Backsplash

Give your kitchen a facelift this weekend with a little elbow grease, some 220-grit sand paper and a lot of epoxy paint. Find out how to paint a tile backsplash with this step-by-step guide and shop everything you need to get started from our comprehensive materials list.

Granite Countertops for Kitchens

HGTV.com helps you determine if one of the most popular surfaces chosen by homeowners, developers and kitchen designers alike, is right for you.

Granite Countertop Colors

Don't mistake granite for just any old stone—this surface is available in a variety of colors, making it a suitable option for any number of kitchen designs.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.