Still good-lookin’ after all these years, the original ceramic tile in this 1940s bathroom was kept as is by home owners who remodeled and replaced everything else. Hard to beat as a backsplash material, properly installed ceramic tile lasts for decades.

Pro: Stands up to moisture and resists stains; easy-to-clean; available everywhere
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.


Credit: Angie Hranowsky Design Studio

Durable and waterproof, hand-troweled concrete is a unique backsplash material. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll be tempted to give it the rustic finish shown here — a mottled appearance that disguises stains, yet cleans up easily.

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


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

Although it looks like ceramic mosaic tile, this handsome backsplash is made from cork tiles that are stained, sealed, then grouted like regular ceramic tiles. Cork-producing trees are sustainably harvested, and many cork products — including these tiles — are made from recycled cork.

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


Credit: Molly Frey Design

Corian solid-surface material was invented by DuPont in the 1960s. Since then, it’s become the countertop-and-backsplash gold standard for its ability to stand up to moisture and stains. A vanity countertop, backsplash, and sink can be formed from a single, seamless piece of material.

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


Credit: Simona Gosu

You’ll put on a happy face with this bathroom backsplash — just draw one with chalk. Tough chalkboard paint lets you change your look on a whim. It sticks to drywall, metal, wood, and other materials, and cleans up with soap and water.

Pro: Fun to use; cleans easily; water-resistant; inexpensive
Con: Spills and splashes (toothpaste, mouthwash) may stain if not cleaned immediately; dark color isn’t for everyone
Cost: $15/quart

Credit: Percy Bright and Tara Mangini

When converting a porch of an older home into a powder room, the owners decided to keep the rustic board siding exposed. No backsplash means paint has to protect the wood siding from water, so choose a tough, scrubbable paint with a high or semi-gloss sheen.

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


Credit: Emily Jenkins Followill

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


Credit: New York Social Diary