So you’re going full farmhouse, huh? Smart choice. There’s something about that cozy, lived-in aesthetic that makes you want to bake bread and display vintage crocks on open shelving. But here’s the thing—nailing the farmhouse look isn’t just about slapping some shiplap on the walls and calling it a day.
Your backsplash is basically the jewelry of your kitchen, and white brick? It’s the perfect accessory for that modern farmhouse vibe you’re chasing. I’ve been down this rabbit hole myself (multiple times, actually), and I’m here to save you from some seriously regrettable design decisions. Let’s talk about ten white brick backsplash ideas that’ll make your farmhouse kitchen look like it belongs on the cover of a home magazine.
Weathered White Brick with Grout Variation
Want that “this kitchen has been here for 100 years” look? Weathered white brick tiles with varying grout tones are your secret weapon. These tiles have subtle color variations—think ivory, cream, and white all mixed together—that create an aged, authentic appearance.
When you combine these with slightly darkened grout, the magic happens. That intermediate shade that resembles natural aging, rather than a stark gray. This combination gives you character right away without giving the impression that you tried too hard, even though we both know that you did.
I used these in my own kitchen renovation, and guests legitimately ask if we exposed original brick. Nope, just really good tiles and strategic grout choice. The variation keeps things interesting without being busy, and it pairs beautifully with butcher block countertops and farmhouse sinks.
Key benefits:
- Creates authentic aged appearance
- Hides minor imperfections during installation
- Complements natural wood elements perfectly
- Adds depth through subtle color variation
Classic White Subway with Wide Grout Lines
Here’s where farmhouse diverges from modern minimalism: embrace those grout lines. Instead of trying to minimize them, go wider. Traditional farmhouse kitchens had chunky mortar joints, and replicating that look with 1/4-inch grout lines creates instant authenticity.
When you properly space out standard 3×6-inch white subway tiles, they become a farmhouse upgrade. Wider grout lines give the surface more texture and a less flawless, handmade look. I assure you that it strikes a delicate balance between being rustic and appearing unfinished.
Use warm gray or taupe grout for this application. Pure white grout reads too modern, while dark grout can feel too industrial. You want something that looks like lime mortar that’s been there forever. This setup works beautifully with vintage-style faucets, apron-front sinks, and those trendy matte black hardware pieces everyone’s installing.
Whitewashed Brick Tile Effect
Can’t afford (or don’t want to mess with) real brick? Whitewashed brick-effect tiles give you that texture and dimension without the weight, installation nightmare, or maintenance issues of actual brick.
These tiles replicate the look of brick that’s been lightly painted—you can still see the brick texture and slight color variation underneath the white finish. It’s got more personality than flat subway tile but stays bright and clean, which is crucial in a working kitchen.
This option for farmhouse kitchens bridges the gap between rustic and functional, which is why I’m kind of obsessed with it. These tiles give you the appearance of an easy-wipe ceramic surface, but real brick is porous and difficult to maintain (spaghetti sauce in brick crevices, anyone?). Additionally, compared to glossy tiles, they are typically sufficiently textured to conceal water stains and fingerprints.
Stacked White Brick with Reclaimed Wood Accents
Ever wondered why some farmhouse kitchens feel more “farm” than “house”? It’s usually about mixing materials smartly. Stacked white brick (remember, no offset pattern—tiles lined up vertically) paired with reclaimed wood open shelving creates serious visual impact.
The vertical stacking pattern feels more architectural and intentional, which actually enhances the farmhouse aesthetic rather than detracting from it. It’s like you planned this renovation with an actual designer (whether you did or not is nobody’s business).
This combination works because you get both temperature contrast and texture contrast, such as smooth brick against rough wood grain. The warm wood keeps it comfortable, and the cool white brightens everything. In my opinion, this is one of the most powerful farmhouse styles you can create, particularly in kitchens with natural light that can highlight both materials.
| Element | Style Impact | Practical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Stacked pattern | Modern meets rustic | Easier DIY install |
| White brick | Clean backdrop | Brightens space |
| Wood shelving | Warmth & texture | Display storage |
Textured White Brick with Matte Finish
Farmhouse is all about accepting flaws, isn’t that right? White brick tiles with a matte finish and a lot of texture strongly support that idea. These tiles catch light beautifully throughout the day thanks to their noticeable surface variation, which includes ridges, dimples, and slight warping.
The matte finish is crucial here. Glossy tiles read modern and sterile, but matte creates that soft, organic feel that’s essential to farmhouse design. These tiles almost look handmade, like someone crafted each one individually (they didn’t, but let’s pretend).
These work especially well in kitchens with vintage or antique elements. Got a restored 1920s stove? Grandmother’s hutch repurposed as a coffee bar? Textured matte brick ties everything together without competing for attention. It’s the supporting actor that makes all the other elements shine. Plus, the texture hides minor tile lippage during installation—always a bonus when you’re working with old houses that have walls about as straight as a politician’s answer.
Oversized White Brick in Herringbone
Now for the contentious opinion: herringbone designs aren’t exclusive to contemporary kitchens. A herringbone pattern with oversized white brick tiles (4×12 or larger) has historical farmhouse precedent. You’re being historically correct while still looking very fashionable because herringbone was a common feature of old European farmhouses.
The key is keeping everything else relatively simple. The herringbone pattern is your statement piece, so pair it with simple cabinet hardware, understated fixtures, and solid countertops. Let the backsplash do the talking.
I’ll admit, this installation is trickier than standard brick patterns (angled cuts everywhere), but the payoff is massive. It adds movement and sophistication to your farmhouse kitchen without tipping into contemporary territory. Just make sure whoever installs this actually knows what they’re doing—bad herringbone is worse than no herringbone.
Handmade-Look White Brick with Irregular Edges
If you really want to commit to the artisanal farmhouse aesthetic, handmade-look tiles with slightly irregular edges are the move. These tiles intentionally vary in size (we’re talking millimeters, not inches), creating an organic, crafted appearance that screams “farmhouse charm.”
The irregular edges mean your grout lines won’t be perfectly uniform, and that’s exactly the point. You’re mimicking what would happen if someone actually hand-laid these tiles 150 years ago. It’s controlled chaos—chaotic enough to look authentic, controlled enough that your kitchen doesn’t look like a DIY disaster.
These look great with farmhouse tables, exposed ceiling beams, and antique lighting fixtures. The overall “things made by hand” vibe that makes farmhouse style so alluring is reinforced by the handcrafted tile aesthetic. Warning: these are typically more expensive than regular tiles, but they are worth the expense if you want farmhouse authenticity.
White Brick with Distressed Finish
Want tiles that look like they survived a century of farm life? Distressed white brick tiles come pre-aged with chips, worn edges, and color variation built right in. It’s like buying pre-ripped jeans, except for your kitchen and significantly more acceptable.
The beauty of distressed tiles is they hide real wear and tear brilliantly. Got kids who throw things? A clumsy partner who knocks stuff into the backsplash? (No judgment—I am that partner.) These tiles already look worn, so new dings just add to the character. It’s the most forgiving backsplash option for actual working farmhouse kitchens.
These work particularly well when you’re mixing new and vintage elements. Installing a brand-new kitchen but want it to feel established? Distressed white brick bridges that gap, making everything feel cohesive regardless of its actual age. Plus, they photograph beautifully for those Pinterest-worthy kitchen shots you’re definitely planning.
White Brick with Exposed Mortar Joints
Here’s where we get really farmhouse: thicker-than-normal mortar joints that protrude slightly from the tile surface. Traditional brick walls had mortar that wasn’t perfectly flush, and replicating that creates serious authenticity points.
This is accomplished by applying extra-thick grout or slightly recessed tiles. Instead of serving as a filler between tiles, the mortar becomes a part of the visual texture. It’s intriguing, multifaceted, and perfectly in line with farmhouse style.
This technique works best with slightly smaller tiles (2×4 or 3×6 inch) because you want those mortar joints visible and contributing to the overall look. Pair this with open shelving holding white dishes, and you’ve got yourself a Pinterest board come to life. Just make sure your installer understands what you’re going for—not everyone’s familiar with this technique, and you might need to show reference photos.
Elongated White Brick with Contrasting Grout
Sometimes farmhouse needs a little edge, and elongated white brick tiles (4×16 or even longer) paired with charcoal or warm gray grout delivers exactly that. The extended format creates dramatic horizontal lines that make your kitchen feel wider—perfect for those narrow farmhouse galleys.
Because of the brick format and white color, each tile is clearly defined by the contrasting grout, creating a graphic quality that still reads farmhouse. It’s more contemporary than traditional, but it looks great in houses that combine different design elements.
I’ve found this combination particularly effective in smaller farmhouse kitchens where you need all the visual space-expanding tricks you can get. The horizontal emphasis pulls the eye across the wall, making the room feel less cramped. Plus, dark grout doesn’t show every splash and splatter, which means less maintenance—always a win in my book. 🙂
The elongated format also means fewer tiles to install, which can save on labor if you’re hiring out. And fewer grout lines means fewer spots for gunk to accumulate over time. Practical and pretty? That’s the farmhouse dream, friend.
Bringing It All Together
There you have it—ten ways to nail that white brick farmhouse backsplash without ending up with a kitchen that looks like every other Pinterest reno. The secret to great farmhouse style isn’t following a formula; it’s understanding the principles (texture, authenticity, warmth, lived-in charm) and applying them in ways that work for your specific space.
Whether you go weathered and authentic or embrace that herringbone pattern, the white brick backsplash you choose will anchor your entire farmhouse kitchen design. It’s the backdrop for your morning coffee, your family dinners, and all those baking projects you keep promising yourself you’ll do.
My recommendation? Select the option that excites you to work in your kitchen. Instead of making you feel as though you’re living in a museum, farmhouse design is meant to make you feel at home. You will see these tiles frequently, so pick ones you won’t grow tired of seeing them every day.
Now stop scrolling Pinterest and actually pick one—your kitchen’s waiting! FYI, any of these options will look infinitely better than whatever’s currently on your walls. You’ve got this!