8 Bathroom Backsplash Beauties

Ready for a bathroom upgrade? These backsplashes will safeguard your walls and look good doing it.

Carrara Marble | Bathroom Backsplash

Marble

Pro: Beautiful; readily available; non-toxic

Con: Can be expensive; installation isn’t for DIYers; needs regular maintenance (seal once a year)

Cost: $20-$200 per sq. ft. for custom marble backsplash with installation; save money with marble tiles, $10-$20 per sq. ft.

Image: Kerylos Intérieurs

Vintage Value

White Vintage Ceramic Tile | Bathroom Backsplash

Ceramic Tile

Pro: Stands up to moisture and resists stains; easy-to-clean; lasts for decades

Con: Custom tiles can be pricey; cleaning grout requires lots of patience

Cost: $1 to $250 per square foot; installation adds $5-$10 per sq. ft.

Image: Angie Hranowsky Design Studio

Concrete Ideas

Seamless Concrete Wall | Bathroom Backsplash

Concrete

Pro: Durable; seamless application is waterproof; cleans up nicely

Con: Specialized application process requires experience; industrial look not for everybody; should be resealed every year

Cost: $10-$45 per square foot

Image: DHD - David Howell Design/ David Joseph, photographer

Put a Cork in It

Grey Cork Penny Tiles | Bathroom Backsplash

Cork Tile

Pro: Environmentally friendly material; easy to install for DIYers; can stain any color

Con: Must be resealed periodically; soft surface may show wear after a few years

Cost: $15 per square foot, material only 

Image: Molly Frey Design

Modern Classic

Seamless Yellow Corian | Bathroom Backsplash

Corian Solid Surface

Pro: Waterproof; stain resistant; cleans easily; seamless bathroom vanities; lots of colors

Con: Can be pricey; not a DIY project; synthetic look not for everyone

Cost: $45-$75 per square foot, installed

Image: Simona Gosu

Expressing Yourself

Chalkboard Paint Wall with Polka Dots | Bathroom Backsplash

Chalkboard Paint

Pro: Fun to use; cleans easily; water-resistant; inexpensive; sticks to drywall, metal, and wood

Con: Spills and splashes (toothpaste, mouthwash) may stain if not cleaned immediately; dark color isn’t for everyone

Cost: $15/quart 

Image: Percy Bright and Tara Mangini

The Power of Paint

Rustic Board Siding, High Gloss Paint | Bathroom Backsplash

High-Gloss Paint

The owners turned a porch into a powder room and kept the rustic board siding. No backsplash means using tough, scrubbable paint with a high or semi-gloss sheen to protect against water.

Pro: Limitless colors; simple look is charming

Con: Wall surface is exposed to splashes; joints behind the sink must be caulked

Cost: $20-$40/gallon

Image: Emily Jenkins Followill

Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Wall-to-Wall Mirror | Bathroom Backsplash

Mirror

You’ll be looking fine with a wall-to-wall mirror that’s also a backsplash. A one-piece installation avoids seams, although you should caulk between the mirror and the vanity top. Use tempered glass for safety.

Pro: Stain- and waterproof; reflects ambient light; easy to clean

Con: Mirrors require constant cleaning; large, one-piece installations are heavy

Cost: $8-$15 per sq. ft., installed

Image: New York Social Diary

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Freestanding Cabinet | Bathroom Storage Solutions

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