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12 Tile Kitchen Countertops That Are Surprisingly Fresh

Modern kitchen with all white cabinets and appliances with light decor on black and white sqaure tiles

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Once considered a staple of '70s, '80s, and '90s kitchen design, tile countertops have made a bit of a comeback in recent years. These days, thrifty homeowners see tile as an affordable alternative to more expensive countertop materials such as quartz, marble, and granite.

Anyone with basic do-it-yourself skills can install tile countertops in a range of colors and patterns from neutral to bold that can suit any kitchen style. Keep in mind, however, that tile countertops are less durable than stone. More prone to cracks, tile countertops will also require more maintenance in order to keep grout looking fresh and clean.

If you are looking for surprisingly modern ways to refresh your cooking space, check out these tile kitchen countertop ideas for inspiration.

Best Tile for Countertops


You can use either porcelain or sealed ceramic tiles for kitchen countertops, according to HomeAdvisor. While porcelain is stronger, it is more prone to cracks. Sealed ceramic tiles are typically less expensive, are suited to DIY projects, and are easier to clean. 

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    Zellige Tile Countertops

    zellige tile kitchen countertops

    Soufiane Aissouni

    Moroccan zellige tile has become trendy in recent years, coveted for its handmade artisanal qualities that lend each tile a signature appearance.

    In this modern Marrakesh kitchen from interior designer Soufiane Aissouni, square zellige tile countertops and a matching backsplash create a neutral base that is complemented with sage green base cabinetry and pale yellow walls.

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    Tile Kitchen Island

    colorful tile kitchen island countertops

    Design by GRT Architects / Photo by Nicole Franzen

    Create a focal point in your kitchen with by tiling your kitchen island countertops and base. GRT Architects chose a deep wine red tile for the island in this East Village apartment that is contrasted with a wall of warm wood cabinetry. The designers used a playful mix of tiles throughout the kitchen to give it a dynamic feel.

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    Mixed Tile Countertops

    rustic tile kitchen countertops

    Design by Katie Lyons Interiors / Photo by Helen Cathcart

    Mix tile countertops with a complementary or contrasting stone finish on your kitchen island to add interest to a neutral space.

    In this Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France kitchen designed by Katie Lyons Interiors, zellige tile countertops are paired with a Calacatta marble island to add texture and variation. Natural wood cabinetry and earth-toned pottery adds warmth.

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    White Tile Countertops

    white tile kitchen countertops

    Penny Layne

    White ceramic tiles mixed with white walls and open shelving create a clean and timeless backdrop in this kitchen from Penny Layne. The backsplash is covered in the same tile, broken up by a small frieze to add a decorative note.

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    Colorful Tile Countertops

    moroccan tile kitchen countertops

    Soufiane Aissouni

    Colorful tile countertops and a matching full wall backsplash will energize a minimalist kitchen. Marrakesh-based interior designer Soufiane Aissouni paired burnt orange glazed tiles with black base cabinetry and black metal open shelving to give this modern Moroccan kitchen a high-contrast, high-energy feel with just a few elements.

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    DIY Tile Kitchen Peninsula

    diy tile kitchen countertops

    A Beautiful Mess

    One of the advantages of tile countertops is that they are simple to DIY. A Beautiful Mess gave a dated wood peninsula a makeover by making a new top with simple white subway tile glued to a wood board.

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    Retro Tile Countertops

    retro kitchen tile countertops

    Dazey Den

    Create a bold retro look with colorful, graphic patterned tiles. Dazey Den paired the circular green, black, and yellow tile countertops and matching backsplash in this midcentury modern-inspired kitchen with chartreuse countertops and black flooring for a kitschy feel.

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    Black Tile Countertops

    black kitchen tile countertops

    Flutter_97321 / Getty Images

    Give your kitchen a Japanese-inspired feel by pairing glossy black tile countertops with rich wood toned cabinetry. LED strips beneath the cabinets and an illuminated dropped ceiling compensate for the lack of natural light.

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    Hexagon Tile Countertops

    Hexagon Tile Kitchen Countertop Adds Pattern
    Seattle Custom Cabinets

    Complement a white shiplap backsplash with white hexagon tile countertops to add subtle pattern to an all-white kitchen. Seattle Custom Cabinets hung cafe curtains and a pair of vintage-inspired milk glass pendants lights and installed a vintage Wedgewood double oven from the 1940s for a retro-inspired look.

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    Marble Hex Tile Countertop

    Swedish kitchen with hexagon marble tile kitchen countertop
    Fantastic Frank

    A marble hexagon tile countertop makes a stylish first impression in this Swedish kitchen featured on Fantastic Frank. Keep in mind that marble is a porous material that is more prone to stains, so using it on a niche countertop rather than your main prep space is a more practical idea.

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    Handcrafted Tile Counters

    Gray Handcrafted Tiles on countertop

    clé

    Add a rustic European feel to a farmhouse kitchen with handcrafted tile countertops, like this space from clé. The handmade tiles are each slightly different, adding texture and character to the space finished with a double sink and under-sink curtains in place of cabinets for a timeless feel.

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    DIY Subway Tile Countertop

    countertop with white Subway Tile
    Jenny Steffens Hobick

    Use tile to makeover an old laminate countertop. This project from blogger Jenny Steffens Hobick cost around $40. Even better, it took a single afternoon to finish the job.

Are tile countertops a good idea? 

Tile countertops are a good idea if you are looking for a budget-friendly kitchen makeover. They are simple to DIY and less expensive than stone finishes, but they are also less durable and harder to maintain, making them impractical for kitchens that get a lot of use.

Are tile countertops less expensive than granite? 

Sealed ceramic or porcelain tile countertops are less expensive than stones like granite, marble, and quartz, according to HomeAdvisor. Ceramic tiles are less expensive than porcelain and are easier to DIY, which can save you more money if you plan to install them yourself.

Are tile countertops making a comeback?

Once associated with design from the 1970s through the 1990s, tile countertops have made a comeback in recent years. These days tile countertops are often used to add a more textured and European feel to farmhouse interiors, or to add color and texture to modern kitchens. One of the most popular tile styles are Moroccan zellige tiles that have a handcrafted artisanal look.