A bathroom backsplash brings together the entire look of your bathroom while protecting walls from water damage and stains. With so many design options to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to select the perfect backsplash for your space. Follow this comprehensive guide to help you make the best choice when choosing a bathroom backsplash.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Backsplash
When embarking on a bathroom backsplash project, there are a few key factors to take into account before selecting the materials. Carefully considering the following will ensure you end up with a functional, aesthetically-pleasing backsplash design.
Bathroom Size and Layout
The size and layout of your bathroom will inform the scale and visual weight of the backsplash design. A small bathroom calls for small-scale tile sizes like mosaics or bricks. This makes the space feel larger and brighter. Limit heavily patterned or dense stone backsplash designs to larger bathrooms to keep a cramped space from feeling closed in.
Also, pay attention to the shape and placement of fixtures. Accentuate these architectural details cleverly with your backsplash design. For example, run rectangular subway tiles vertically behind a rectangular mirror to draw the eye upwards. Or, use a marble mosaic backsplash to echo the curves of a freestanding tub.
Plumbing Locations
Take careful note of the locations of faucets, spouts, and handles before selecting a backsplash. Going with a continuous pattern could mean inconvenient cuts around plumbing fixtures. Opt for mosaic sheets or small rectangular tiles which can seamlessly abut fixtures. If your heart is set on a specific material that requires carefully planned cuts, be prepared to spend more on a skilled tile setter.
Bathroom Use Frequency and User Profile
Consider who will use the bathroom and how often to choose a durable, easy-to-clean backsplash material. Busy family baths demand materials like ceramic that withstand frequent cleaning. Neutral stone or glass mosaics suit a guest bath. And, sleek polished porcelain or stainless steel backsplashes nicely complement contemporary aesthetic in a master bath.
Storage and Accessories
Determine how the backsplash will interact with other bathroom elements like storage and accessories. For example, a questions like:
- Will sconces or mirrors pierce the backsplash?
- Will cabinetry or shelving butt up against it?
This will inform needed cutouts and finish choices. A polished backsplash suits sconce mounting, while a rough stone finish readily disguises drill holes.
Lighting Conditions
The amount and type of lighting in the bathroom impacts how the backsplash reads. Under vanity lighting emphasizes low areas of the backsplash. Shimmery glass tile picks up light beautifully. Direct overhead lighting can make highly patterned or dark natural stone feel busy or cave-like. Go for a neutral mosaic or subway layout instead. And, natural lighting casts different hues at different times of day. Factor that into your color selection.
Overall Design Aesthetic
Most importantly, choose a backsplash that aligns with your desired design style. For example:
- Vintage bathrooms pair nicely with classic subway tiles or retro mosaics
- Modern baths demand sleek polished porcelain or metal backsplashes
- Zen bathrooms need natural stone slabs or pebble mosaics
- Traditional baths look splendid with marble mosaics or herringbone bricks
- Cottage baths pop with handmade art tile or ceramic fishscale patterns
Budget
Lastly, settle on a comfortable budget. Costs vary widely based on material and installation factors like tile size, finishes and edges, and accent types. Simple ceramic subway tiles starts around $5 per square foot. Intricate stone mosaics cost $50 or more per square foot. Talk to design professionals to balance backsplash dreams with bathroom renovation reality.
Now that you know what to look for in a backsplash, review the fantastic options available today.
Popular Bathroom Backsplash Materials
Happily, today’s backsplash materials offer style and substance to fit any bathroom. Here is an overview of advantages and considerations for top backsplash choices:
Tile
Tile reigns supreme as a backsplash for its durability, easy maintenance, and design flexibility. Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile withstand moisture and allow endless pattern, color, and finish options. Choosing tile dimensions and layout patterns also lets you manipulate how the backsplash looks. For example, subway tiles in a herringbone pattern create visual movement. Mosaic sheets make a tiny bath feel larger. Larger tiles like 8″ x 8″ granites make a statement in a big bath. With scores of quality brands available, tile provides endless possibilities.
Advantages: water-resistant, durable, easy to clean, design versatility, easy installation
Considerations: moderate cost, grout requires periodic sealing
Glass Tile
For an eye-catching, light-reflecting backsplash, glass tile brings glitter and depth. Backpainted, mix and match, and mosaic glass tile create focal points, especially surrounding mirrors. Metallic glass tiles paired with LED lighting dazzle. Downsides include higher cost and extra care needed when cutting and drilling. Consult an experienced tile setter to properly install glass backsplashes.
Advantages: reflective surface, distinctive texture, mosaic and mix-and-match options
Considerations: higher cost, fragility requires skilled installers
Natural Stone
For organic texture and beauty, natural stone backsplashes bring the best of nature indoors. Honed marbles like Carrara, colorful granites, and unique quartzite formations make bold statements. Flagstone and ledgestone also pair beautifully with rustic baths. Since stone varies greatly, inspect slabs closely before purchase to avoid imperfections. Softer stones like marble and limestone require sealing to withstand moisture.
Advantages: one-of-a-kind natural designs, luxury material
Considerations: higher cost, sealing required, may stain
Metal
Industrial style baths become unique works of art with metal backsplashes. Options like stainless steel, copper, brushed aluminum, and galvanized metal backsplashes liven contemporary spaces. Enjoy easy cleaning, and cutting metal sheets to size is simpler than tile. However, the hard surface can dent if hit forcefully. Hire metal fabrication experts if sizing and shaping is complex.
Advantages: sleek and modern, easier DIY installation than tile
Considerations: susceptible to dents, challenging do-it-yourself cuts
Fiber and Composite Materials
Modern composite building products offer backsplash options that mimic luxurious materials like marble and metal at lower price points. Faux tin ceiling tiles create cool vintage flair. Acrylic sheets offer convincing marble looks. Use peel-and-stick installation options carefully to ensure their water resistance over time. Still, composites provide an affordable way to get striking bathroom backsplashes.
Advantages: affordable, easy installation, mimic high-end looks
Considerations: lower durability than stone and tile
With a sense of the many backsplash materials available, think about your functional needs and style goals. Visit showrooms to see products first-hand. Then, thoughtfully narrow down options for your bath.
Top Trends in Bathroom Backsplash Designs
Beyond backsplash materials, focus on trends in formats, patterns, textures and color schemes to find inspiration. Here are top backsplash trends to explore:
Statement-Making Geometric Tile
For contemporary flair, geometric backsplashes make bold statements. Try multifaceted 3D tile patterns or modern honeycomb layouts in black and white. Intricate Moroccan fishscale tiles look mesmerizing. Hexagonal or triangular mosaic tiles add facets and angles. Pair geometric tiles with glossy tiles, dark grout, and metallics for ultra-modern effects.
Mosaic Mania
Tiny mosaic tiles endure as a top backsplash option. Subway mosaic sheets provide an easy, economical choice. Or, opt for pebble mosaics with polished stone or glass pieces. To not go overboard, section off mosaic backsplash designs rather than creating full-wall murals. Add decorative borders or an inlaid niche to contain mosaic areas.
Marvelous Marble
Classic marble backsplashes complement traditional bathroom spaces. Stick with white marbles like Carrara for clean lines. Incorporate veining and movement with gray Emperador marble accents. Section marble mosaic sheets near bath mirrors to create a stunning focal feature.
Texture Extravaganza
Vary textures across your backsplash design for visual interest. Combine ceramic bricks with glass mosaic bands. Mix polished and honed stone mosaic pieces. Consider penny tile rounds next to directional rectangular subway tiles. Just be sure to blend textures purposefully, not haphazardly.
Pretty Pastels
Soft hues like mint green, blush pink, and buttery yellow infuse brightness into bathrooms. Use pastel glass or ceramic tiles sparingly in backsplash accents. Or, go bold with an entire wall of robin’s egg blue subway tiles. Pair soft pastel backsplashes with plenty of reflective surfaces.
Classic White
Crisp white backsplashes deliver a clean, fresh aesthetic. All-white backsplashes surrounding mirrors make small bathrooms feel airier. Groupings of white 3” hexagonal tile create texture. Herringbone brick patterns and beveled subway tiles keep white backsplashes interesting.
Natural Neutrals
Warm, earthy backsplash palettes ground bathrooms with nature-inspired zen. Combine stone mosaic tiles in neutral hues like tan, gray, and almond. Accent with wood shelves and accessores. Bring in greenery through plants like bamboo or eucalyptus.
Metallic Shimmer
Metallics add a glitzy touch, especially surrounding vanities and mirrors. Popular options include mother of pearl mosaic tiles, hammered copper penny tiles, stainless steel subway tiles, and bronze stone mosaics. Limit shiny metallics to backsplash sections so they don’t overwhelm.
Painted Perfection
Looking to save on tile costs? Painted backsplashes provide a budget-friendly option. Use high-gloss acrylic paint over cement board or another appropriate substrate. Adhere glass mosaic sheets on a portion of the wall for added texture and dazzle.
Perfectly Planning Your Backsplash Installation
After selecting the ideal backsplash materials and design, focus on proper installation. Planning each phase carefully ensures your backsplash ends up looking like you envisioned.
Demolition and Prep Work
Start by removing old backsplash materials or wall coverings completely so the new backsplash adheres properly. Plan to replace any water-damaged underlying wall materials. Sand and fill any bumps or gouges that could distort the finished look. Prime surfaces before installing the backsplash.
Gather Supplies
Having all needed tile-setting supplies on hand prevents frustration during the installation process. Beyond the tile and desired mastic or mortar, stock up on materials like:
- Tile spacers
- Gloves for handling cut tile
- Tile cutter or wet saw for cutting tile neatly
- Tile nippers for knocking off small protruding tile edges
- Grout sealer
- Grout cleaning sponge
- Grout haze remover
- Caulk and sealant
Tile Layout
Map out the tile layout on the wall accounting for focal areas and fixtures. Mark the center point and level baselines. Dry lay tiles first before applying any mortar to ensure your planned layout works. Having a detailed tile blueprint avoids surprises or having to make tricky cuts mid-installation.
Set the Tile
Once layout is determined, follow best practices for applying mortar and setting tiles. Work in small sections applying mortar and setting tiles methodically. Use spacers between tiles to ensure even spacing and alignment. Allow proper drying time before grouting. Use tile edge trim pieces wherever tile meets a wall edge or transition to another surface.
Grouting and Finishing
Grout installation takes finesse to keep grout from drying too quickly or cracking. Plan to grout small sections at a time, wiping and smoothing grout neatly as you go. Once grouted, avoid wetting the tiles for at least 48 hours. Remove any grout haze once completely cured. Last steps include applying grout sealer and sealing any natural stone tiles.
Pro Tips
Consider hiring a professional tile setter, especially for intricate layouts or expensive stone tiles where mistakes carry costly consequences. Even with DIY installs, consult a tile pro at the planning stage. They recommend proper setting materials, identify potential problem areas, and provide tips to follow best practices. Investing in a pro at the start prevents amateur errors down the road.
With good planning and execution, installing a bathroom backsplash successfully is very achievable. Patience and care at each step will reward you with a stunning finished product.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Bathroom Backsplash
Many common questions arise when planning a new bathroom backsplash. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How is a backsplash different than wall tile?
Wall tile refers to tile covering full walls from floor to ceiling. Backsplashes only cover the portion of wall directly behind sinks, tubs, and showers most prone to splashing and moisture damage. Backsplashes typically range 2 to 4 feet in height running horizontally.
Should I hire a professional installer or do it myself?
For beginners, simple ceramic tile backsplashes in basic patterns can be DIY-friendly. Watch online tutorials to learn proper techniques. However, natural stone, intricate designs, and specialty tiles require expert installation to avoid expensive mistakes. In those cases, hire a qualified professional tile setter.
How do I waterproof behind a tub or shower backsplash?
Waterproofing is critical to prevent leaks and moisture damage behind wet areas. Use a waterproofing membrane like Schluter Kerdi along with proper sealant at seams and edges. Alternatively, products like RedGard form waterproof barriers when rolled or troweled on.
What type of tile edging should I use?
Bullnose trim pieces give tile edges a finished look against countertops, window sills, and niches. Pencil liners create a thin border accent. Corner trims ensure sharp 90-degree edges. Choose trim materials to match or complement your tile.
How do I cut tile around outlets and plumbing fixtures?
Carefully measure and mark cuts needed around fixtures. Use a tile wet saw for clean precise cuts. Tap cut tiles gently into place with a rubber mallet. Alternatively, buy mosaic tiles on mesh sheets and simply cut through the mesh.
How do I clean and maintain a tile backsplash?
Ceramic and porcelain tile are very low maintenance. Clean with mild detergent and water using a soft cloth. Re-seal grout every 1 to 2 years. Stone backsplashes need regular sealing to resist staining and etching. Take care not to let soap or chemicals dry on natural stone.
What’s the most economical backsplash material?
By far, ceramic subway tiles and mosaic sheets provide the most budget-friendly backsplash option starting around $5 per square foot. Handmade art tile and intricate stone mosaics fall on the high end ranging $50 to $100 per square foot installed.
How do I decorate the area above a backsplash?
Paint or wallpaper running horizontally above the backsplash perimeter visually expands the space. Hang coordinating artwork salon-style for interest. Add open shelving flanking mirrors to display decorative objects. Sconces and frameless mirrors mounted directly to the wall zone keep the focus on your beautiful new backsplash below.
Achieving the Perfect Backsplash Design
With careful planning and execution, you can achieve a picture-perfect bathroom backsplash design. Keep these tips in mind:
- Let your overall bathroom style guide backsplash selections
- Balance patterns and textures thoughtfully
- Align tile layout with bath architecture and fixtures
- Invest in high-quality setting materials and specialty trim pieces
- Take time to properly prepare surfaces and map layouts
- Clean and seal surfaces properly during and after install
- Don’t be afraid to ask tile experts questions
- Hire pros when needed to avoid expensive mistakes
- Finish surrounding areas decoratively to highlight your new backsplash
And most importantly, enjoy the process of designing your ideal backsplash. Let it bring your whole bathroom together into a beautiful, cohesive space you’ll love spending time in.
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