Our Best Ideas for a Bathroom Backsplash

February 19, 2016
Whether you prefer classic subway tile, rustic wood planks, or funky patterned wallpaper, a bathroom backsplash provides both protection and appeal. Find a material that fits your style and budget with these favorite ideas for a bathroom backsplash.
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Tile Pattern

Add interest to a half bath by blending an array of tile shapes and textures. In this powder room, stark subway tile contrasts beautifully with black hexagon mosaic tiles. The inexpensive tiles create a bold geometric statement on a budget.

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Wood Plank Walls

Christina Wedge

Horizontal painted wood planks are an inexpensive yet eye-catching bathroom backsplash solution, and lend cottage appeal to this beautiful blue room. Keep the rustic look contemporary with industrial-style lighting and a colorful vanity.

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Faux Concrete Finish

Complement a modern vanity with a hand-plastered backsplash made to mimic concrete. Troweling gray plaster created this handcrafted look; a strip of stainless steel provides protection. Pair with pops of green for a serene mix of earthy and industrial.

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Waterproof Wallpaper

Punch up a powder room with a wallpapered accent wall. This graphic orange paper provides a dramatic impact to the small bathroom. For the most protection, opt for vinyl-coated wallpaper, which can better withstand moisture, and products labeled "scrubbable."

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Pretty Penny Tile

Round penny tiles aren't reserved for the bathroom floor. Bring them up to your backsplash for a fun twist on tradition. Select a cream-color tile to warm up a small bathroom and complement earth tones.

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Mixed Materials

Dress up white subway tile with a natural oak or bamboo trim. Honey-color grout warms the traditional bathroom backsplash and complements a neutral color palette.

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How to Tile a Backsplash

Incorporate color and pattern into your bathroom with an easy tile backsplash. We'll show you how!

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Make it Mosaic

Mosaic tiles come in large sheets, making them an easy DIY bathroom backsplash solution. Choose your favorite mix of colors or a shimmering glass finish for a look that is just your style. For this stunning yet simple backsplash, continue the tiles behind open shelves.

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Sea-Worthy Shades

Shimmering glass tiles grab attention in this updated take on tradition. The soft blue backsplash frames a modern vessel sink and wall-mount faucet for clutter-free design with a calming pop of color.

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Oversize Tile

Find Your Best Floor!

A crisp white backsplash made with large-scale ceramic tile sparkles against a dark wood vanity. Clean white grout completes the streamlined symmetrical pattern that continues in the slate floor beneath.

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Bold Black and White

Spice up a quiet countertop with an eye-catching black and white backsplash. The narrow glass liner tiles serve as a functional focal point behind the contemporary vanity.

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How to Grout a Backsplash

Put the perfect finishing touch on your bathroom backsplash with our tips for applying grout.

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Classic Beaded Board

White beaded board is budget-friendly, durable, and so simple to install. Use it to panel the wall behind your bathroom's vanity for splash-resistant cottage style.

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Neutral Blend

Linear glass mosaic tiles add visual interest to a wall of limestone wainscoting. A durable, eco-friendly laminate rail that matches the clean-line vanity separates and showcases the neutral bathroom backsplash.

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Small-Scale Subway Tile

Switch things up, and select petite subway tiles. The small-scale tiles provide extra texture thanks to additional grout lines. To visually expand a small bath, extend the neutral backsplash to the ceiling.

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Fair and Square

A light blue backsplash made with square glass tiles adds visual depth above this warm wood vanity. The subtle splash of color is an unexpected update to its contemporary concrete countertop.

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Rustic Wood Planks

Make a country-style statement with 1x6-inch wood boards cut from 8-foot lengths. Install the planks to one wall, then apply a light gray stain for added texture. A granite countertop brings out the rustic tones of the bathroom backsplash.

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Pop of Color

Create a seaside escape in the comfort of your home with a bold blue backsplash. With varied shades of soft powder and deep navy, the beautiful linear tiles evoke deep, soothing waters and pair well with the soft gray veining of marble-framed mirrors.

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Global Influence

Moorish elements, like a shapely tiled backsplash wall, can help transport your bathroom abroad. The arabesque tile pattern complements a curved vanity mirror and resembles Moroccan architecture.

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