Bathroom

Bathroom Backsplash Guide: Materials That Make a Statement

Published on November 16, 2023
Revised on November 16, 2023
10 min read

Briar Von Gerl

Writer

Modern bathroom interior with marble wall

When renovating a bathroom, people tend to focus on big-ticket items like vanities and showers. Smaller pieces like the humble bathroom backsplash are often overlooked. Despite it being seen every day, it’s often an afterthought. Consider designing a unique backsplash to make your bathroom stand out. Simple and contemporary? Warm and inviting? Sleek and modern? No matter the aesthetic, there’s a material that can achieve it.

What is a bathroom backsplash?

A bathroom backsplash is a protective covering or decorative element installed on the wall behind the sink, vanity, or countertop in a bathroom. It prevents water damage to the wall and adds visual appeal to the space.

Is a vanity backsplash necessary?

While not essential, a bathroom backsplash can be a valuable addition to your design. It not only ties the aesthetic together, but it can also protect your walls and paint from potential water damage.

If you have a pedestal sink or a vanity that is set away from the wall, you may forgo a backsplash. However, it’s worth noting that you have the option to install one anyway for added protection and visual appeal. Ultimately, the decision to include a bathroom backsplash in your design depends on your personal preferences and the level of safeguarding you desire for your walls.

Should I use bathroom backsplash tiles?

When considering options for your bathroom backsplash, tiles emerge as a popular and versatile choice. Not only are they readily available and cost-effective, but they also come in a wide range of materials, shapes, and colours to suit your desired aesthetic. With the ability to be arranged into countless designs, tile provides a fantastic opportunity to personalize your bathroom.

Finding your bathroom backsplash aesthetic

Before you head to the local home improvement store, take some time to explore bathroom trends and decor ideas to get a feel for your aesthetic. It’ll heavily influence the design you ultimately select, and it’s important for the backsplash to match the vanity to create a cohesive look.

Loft style bathroom with white ceramic backsplash — Adobestock/Parilov

Selecting an appealing tile design

When choosing tiles, you need to consider the overall design. Take the time to explore different tile shapes and arrangements to see what you like best. The shape of the tile can determine the patterns you can achieve, while the colours can completely transform the ambiance of the space.

Interior of a modern bathroom with blue tiled walls — Getty images/Ivan Zaplatynskyi

Vanity tile size and colour

When it comes to bathroom backsplash tiles, the possibilities are endless. You can opt for classic white rectangles, bold dark blue hexagons, or even entirely unique shapes. You have the freedom to choose a single type of tile or create visual interest by incorporating a variety of tiles. Some tiles even boast natural variations in colour and texture.

Bathroom with yellow orange mosaic tile wall — Getty images/Suchada Tansirimas

Vanity tile ratings and porosity

Each type of tile has different strength and porosity ratings. For bathroom backsplash tiles, Class II impervious or vitreous tiles are recommended. These options offer optimal durability for long-term use while keeping costs down.

Luxury design bathroom in sunlight on beige brown tile wall — Getty images/Suchada Tansirimas

Grout for bathroom backsplashes

Often overlooked, grout plays a vital role in the overall appearance of your bathroom backsplash. Rather than settling for standard off-white grout, consider using a darker colour to make a statement between white subway tiles. Alternatively, you can experiment with light accent colours to add a playful touch. Have fun exploring different grout colours before making your final decision.

A bathroom sink detail with dark blue walls, subway tiles — Getty images/Joe Hendrickson

What can I use instead of a tile backsplash in the bathroom?

While tile has become the go-to choice for bathroom backsplashes, there’s no need to limit yourself. Embrace wood panelling, glass panes, or even sheet metal as alternatives for your backsplash. Whether you want to replicate the existing tile on your vanity, create a clean and straightforward tiled wall, or venture into entirely new territory, the choice is yours. Let your creativity flourish.

Bathroom backsplash ideas

Modern minimalism, rustic charm, mid-century modern… You can create any style of backsplash with any material as long as it’s durable and sealed properly. We’ve laid out some pros and cons and rated each material on a scale of 1 star (worst) to 5 stars (best) for variety, ease of installation, durability, maintenance required, and overall cost.

Ceramic or porcelain backsplash tiles

When you think of tile, chances are that ceramic and porcelain come to mind. This versatile option is available in a wide range of shapes, colours, and designs. It can even replicate the look of other materials, such as wood or marble! Porcelain is more durable than ceramic, but both can be found at various price points to accommodate your budget.

Variety: ★★★★★
Installation: ★★★★☆
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Maintenance: ★★★☆☆
Cost: ★★★★☆

Modern bathroom with grey ceramic tile wall, a green sinkk and gold-plated faucet

Bathroom with small blue kit kat ceramic tiles, white sink and gold faucet

Bathroom with pastel blue hexagon tile bathroom with golden grout

Getty images/Suchada Tansirimas, Getty images/FollowTheFlow, Adobestock/Suchada Tansirimas

Natural stone vanity tiles

If you crave a bathroom backsplash with natural beauty and distinctive character, stone tiles are a great choice. They showcase the unique patterns found in nature, have excellent durability, and require very little maintenance. Although they may come at a higher cost, they can significantly contribute to the overall value of your home.

Variety: ★★★★☆
Installation: ★★★☆☆
Durability: ★★★★★
Maintenance: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★☆☆☆

Cement vanity tiles

For a visually appealing alternative reminiscent of ceramic tiles, consider cement vanity tiles. They’re made of a mixture of cement, sand, pigment, and marble that is compressed instead of being fired like traditional tiles. They come in a great many colours and patterns, so you’re bound to find something you like!

That said, their irregular shapes can make them difficult to install and seal properly. Once that’s done, they tend to be more durable than ceramic. However, they need to be re-sealed regularly to prevent stains.

Variety: ★★★★☆
Installation: ★★☆☆☆
Durability: ★★★★☆
Maintenance: ★★☆☆☆
Cost: ★★★☆☆

Bathroom with colorful cement tiles backsplah, green vanity and wooden counters

Cement tile bathroom wall in orange tones, wooden vanity and white sink

Bathroom backsplash with blue and white cement tiles, wooden counter and white sink

Getty images/Theltern, Unsplash/Peter Larsen, Unsplash

Quarry bathroom backsplash tiles

If you’re using a warmer colour palette for your bathroom, quarry tiles are an excellent choice. They typically come in a range of natural clay colours since they’re made of compressed and fired materials like shale and feldspar. Uniquely, quarry tiles are unglazed and only slightly porous, making them resilient and water-resistant.

Quarry tiles have a similar price point to ceramic tiles and are installed the same way. While they don’t need to be sealed (but can be if desired), be sure to give them a deep clean once in a while to bring back their shine.

Variety: ★★☆☆☆
Installation: ★★★★☆
Durability: ★★★★★
Maintenance: ★★★★☆
Cost: ★★★★☆

Bathroom with white quarry tiles, white counter and white sink

Bathroom with grey quarry tiles a rounded mirror and white sink

Bathroom with terrazzo quarry tiles, white sink and black faucet

Getty images/Andrey Abryutin, Getty images/Edwin Tan, Getty images/Suchada Tansirimas

Terra cotta vanity tiles

For a touch of rustic charm that exudes timeless appeal, consider terra cotta vanity tiles. Invented thousands of years ago, this classic tile adds distinctive character to your bathroom backsplash. It normally comes in the classic terracotta shade, but you can find other colours created using different glazes.

While they’re scratch-resistant, they’re prone to breaking. Be sure to hire a professional tiler to carefully (and properly) install and seal them. Keep in mind that while they offer a unique aesthetic, they are more expensive than other options.

Variety: ★★☆☆☆
Installation: ★★★★☆
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Maintenance: ★★★☆☆
Cost: ★☆☆☆☆

Chic modern rustic bathroom with black terracotta tiles and aged wooden vanity

Bathroom with blue terracotta wall, white sink and golden wall-mounted faucet

Modern bathroom with orange terracotta wall, two white sinks and wall-mounted faucets

AdobeStock, Unsplash/Arno Smit, Getty images/ismagilov

Brick bathroom backsplash

Want an old-world look that exudes character and warmth? Think brick. While colour and shape options can be limited, each brick has a unique charm. You can go with the real deal or opt for veneer to keep it budget friendly. In short, brick is easy to clean, extremely durable, and can be cost-effective.

Variety: ★★★☆☆
Installation: ★☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★☆
Durability: ★★★★★
Maintenance: ★★★★☆
Cost: ★☆☆☆☆ to ★★★☆☆

Bathroom with white brick wall, white round vessel sink and silver sink

White bathroom with wooden counter, brick wall, ceramic sink and modern design

Stylish bathroom interior with brick wall with black vanity shelves and plants

AdobeStock, AdobeStock/photosbysabkapl, AdobeStock/New Africa

Glass bathroom backsplash

Glass backsplashes have been popular for decades! Available in a wide variety of colours and sizes, from long single-piece sheets to small tiles, this material adds a sleek and modern look to any bathroom. Bonus: If you have a piece of art or wallpaper you want to showcase behind your vanity, you can install a clear glass backsplash to protect it.

Variety: ★★★★☆
Installation: ★★★☆☆
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Maintenance: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★★☆☆

Designed bathroom with blue wall tiles with rounded mirror and blue and white vanity

Bathroom with blue glass ceramic wall with wooden counter and stone vessel sink

Bathroom with blue and green tiles with round gold mirror and faucets

AdobeStock/in4mal, Pexels/Max Rahubovskiy, Shutterstock/Fio Creative

Metal backsplash

If you’re into the industrial aesthetic or love a bit of glitz and glam, metal backsplashes are right up your alley. Not only are they sleek and easy to clean, but they also make for a great grounding element if you’ve got light-coloured vanities or flooring. Go for something shiny and smooth for a contemporary look, or matte patina tiles for an old-timey vibe.

Variety: ★★★☆☆
Installation: ★★★★☆
Durability: ★★★★☆
Maintenance: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★★☆☆

Wood panels

Wood backsplashes add a touch of warmth to your bathroom. Shiplap or barnboard, painted or raw, new or reclaimed… There are a wide variety of designs, colours, and aesthetics to choose from. Just be sure that it’s sealed correctly to avoid damage or warping over time.

Variety: ★★★★☆
Installation: ★★★☆☆
Durability: ★★★★☆
Maintenance: ★★★☆☆
Cost: ★★★☆☆

Wooden bathroom interior with beautiful light, plants and white accessories

Bathroom with wooden backsplash, white vessel sink and terrazzo wall

Modern bathroom with double vanity, white oak wood slat paneling on the wall and black arched mirrors

Getty images/NeonShot, Getty images/Suleyman Ozkan, Getty images/Joe Hendrickson

Pretty paint backsplash

If you’re looking for ways to save money on your bathroom renovation, consider using paint. Waterproof finishes aren’t strictly necessary for backsplashes, especially if your vanity is set away from the wall. Plus, it’ll give you some creative freedom. From a subtle single-colour backsplash to a hand-painted mural, your options are as endless as the colours available.

Variety: ★★★★☆
Installation: ★★★★★
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Maintenance: ★★★★☆
Cost: ★★★★★

Bathroom with beige paint wall, wooden vanity and stone countertop

Bathroom with grey paint wall, stone vessel sink and black faucet

Bathroom with a wall of turquoise-blue paint, wooden vanity and round mirors

Getty images/Ilija Erceg, Getty images/Liudmila Chernetska, Shutterstock/Janiec Bros

Wallpaper bathroom backsplash

Those looking for budget-friendly options are in the right place. Wallpaper is no longer synonymous with outdated homes: it comes in a variety of trendy patterns and gorgeous murals! Just be sure to choose one that is waterproof or that can be scrubbed clean.

Variety: ★★★★☆
Installation: ★★★★☆
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Maintenance: ★★★★☆
Cost: ★★★★★

Bathroom with floral wallpaper, light green vanity and rectangular gold mirror

Bathroom with geometric wallpaper, quartz countertop and round mirror

Modern Transitional style Bathroom with a stylish geometric-patterned wallpaper, wooden vanity and window

Unsplash/Grace Kelly, Unsplash/Zane Persaud, Adobestock/Bath

Laminate sheets

Laminate sheets can also help you save big on your bathroom renovation. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, often mimicking other materials. So, you can give your bathroom that luxe marble look without the high price tag. While laminate offers seamless coverage, it’s not the most durable option out there.

Variety: ★★★★☆
Installation: ★★★☆☆
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Maintenance: ★★★★☆
Cost: ★★★★☆

Modern bathroom with wooden grey laminate sheet

Wood-panelled bathroom with stone white countertop and led vanity mirror

Contemporary modern bathroom design with white laminate sheet and wooden cabinets

Getty images/sl-f, Getty images/sergiophoto84, Adobestock/YinYang

Peel-and-stick bathroom backsplash

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to tile, consider peel-and-stick tiles. It’s one of the most affordable options on the market, and it’s easy to install. Plus, peel-and-stick tiles come in a wide variety of options, from traditional subway tiles to bold teal hexagons and faux brick. You can create the perfect focal point! However, they aren’t the most durable option available, so be sure to look for ones that are waterproof and easy to clean.

Variety: ★★★☆☆
Installation: ★★★★★
Durability: ★★★☆☆
Maintenance: ★★★★☆
Cost: ★★★★☆

Modern bathroom interior with blue ceramic peel-and-stick, wooden vanity and toilet

Bathroom with geometric peel-and-stick wall tile, wall-mounted sink and gold faucet

Colorful bathroom design with spanish peel-and-stick tiles, wall-mounted vanity and white vessel sink

Getty images/pisittar, Getty images/Stuart James Pty, Adobestock/Zuzulicea

Resin backsplash

A bold and artistic choice, resin tends to be a showstopper. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small handmade tiles to large slabs. And since resin backsplashes are often handmade, they can be customized to your colour palette. That said, they can be expensive, especially if you commission custom work, but they are very durable, non-porous, and easy to clean.

Variety: ★★★★★
Installation: ★★★★☆
Durability: ★★★★★
Maintenance: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★☆☆☆

Modern interior bathroom with grey resin backsplash, two white vessel sinks and bath

Modern interior design with aegean blue walls, resin backsplash and led vanity mirror

Interior of a contemporary bathroom with grey resin walls and subdued lights

AdobeStock/adpephoto, Getty images/snorkulencija, ShutterStock/adpephoto

Extended countertop backsplash

If you want a simple backsplash for your bathroom vanity, consider extending your countertop material 4 inches or more up the wall. It’s a great option for the budget-conscious, and it helps create flow in an otherwise busy bathroom design. Choose a material that’s durable and easy to clean, so that you can get the most out of your investment.

Variety: ★★☆☆☆
Installation: ★★★★★
Durability: N/A
Maintenance: N/A
Cost: ★★★☆☆

Extended black marble countertop and black vessel sink

Extended white marble countertop with white vessel sinks and gold faucets

Extended marble countertop and backsplash with blue vanity

Getty images, Getty images/Joe Hendrickson, Unsplash/Sam Yink

Frequently asked questions

How to remove backsplash tiles?

Your contractor or tiler will start by cleaning the area beneath the backsplash and covering it with cloth to avoid any damage. Next, they’ll slide a flat putty knife (or a similar tool) behind the tile and slowly tap it to pry the tile from the wall. Once the tiles have been removed, your professional will remove the remaining adhesive. This is the general process; it may change based on the materials used in your backsplash and how it was installed.

What is the easiest type of bathroom backsplash to install?

The easiest type of bathroom backsplash to install would be peel-and-stick tile. Other easy options include waterproof wallpaper and vinyl.

When should I reseal my grout?

Resealing your grout is important to maintain the integrity and cleanliness of your tiles. In general, aim to reseal it once a year. However, if you notice discolouration, cracking, or other signs of wear and tear, it may be necessary to reseal it sooner.

Create a bathroom backsplash you’ll love

Don’t hold back when designing your bathroom. Consider new bathroom backsplash ideas and materials to bring the space together. Even a small addition can make a big impact! Whether you’re renovating the entire bathroom or just refreshing it, your vanity design is key. Keep bathroom renovation costs in mind as you plan your project.

Briar Von Gerl is an engineer, inventor, and artist, and her favourite pastime is creating things. She applies her previous millwork design and creative experience to her writing, hopefully inspiring others to create something themselves.