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Last updated: 19 May 2023
Top 8 bathroom splashback ideas
Even if you've never heard of bathroom or kitchen splashbacks before, keep reading to discover why they're an important element in any bathroom design.
Bathroom splashback ideas
If you're looking for potential bathroom splashback ideas, you're likely hoping to avoid a water-based calamity. Bathrooms are notorious mould magnets due to the heat and humidity and the way water manages to seep through even the tightest of seals.
So, even if you've never heard of bathroom or kitchen splashbacks before, keep reading to discover why they're an important element in any bathroom design. Not only do they protect walls from water damage, but they also add style and personality to any space.
Bathroom sink splashback ideas
Mosaic tiles are a tale old as time
There's a reason mosaic tiles have been popular for decades. Timeless and elegant, they remain a budget-friendly and aesthetically pleasing choice for many homeowners. They're not confined to bathroom sink splashbacks ideas, either.
With a wide range of colours and patterns to choose from, mosaic tiles add a touch of sophistication and glamour to your shower splashback, bath, or walls.
Geometric tiles remain versatile and stylish
Geometric tiles are one way to modernise your bathroom without compromising on traditional design techniques. Keep things fresh but homely with a limitless range of patterns and colours to choose from.
You can arrange geometric tiles any way you want to create unique and striking bathroom splashback ideas. The only limit is your imagination!
Marble will never go out of style
Marble is a classic and timeless material, not to mention luxurious and elegant. It's perfect for creating a sophisticated and high-end look in any bathroom and comes in a range of colours and patterns to suit any style.
Consider adding a lip (as pictured) to your sink units to catch any rogue droplets. It's a bathroom sink splashback without being obvious about it.
Mirrored glass splashbacks are illusionary masters
Mirrored glass splashbacks are perfect for small bathrooms as they reflect light and create an illusion of space. They're also easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical and understated option.
We advise only considering them for bathroom sink splashback ideas. Try to avoid thinking about mirrors when it comes to shower splashback ideas. Trust us. (If you know, you know).
Subway tiles are always on trend
Characterised by their clean lines and parallel conformity, subway tiles are familiar and classic options for bathroom splashbacks that never go out of style. They come in a range of colours and sizes, making them perfect for any bathroom, and you can arrange them in different patterns to create a unique and stylish aesthetic.
Consider these traditionally-shaped white brick tiles with black grouting for an instant high-end design infusion (pictured).
Wood keeps you cosy and naturalistic
Wood is a warm and natural material that adds a touch of nature to any bathroom. Wooden splashbacks are perfect for creating a rustic or beachy vibe to keep your bathroom doused in summer vibes all year round.
Alternatively, be bold with black wood panelling and turn your bathroom into an interior designer's (ahem) dream. Just don't forget to add a waterproof sealant!
Consider concrete for cloakroom splashback ideas
High-traffic areas always benefit from concrete, and public cloakrooms (aka bathrooms) need a durable and industrial material to avoid wear and tear.
Enter – concrete! Also, it just so happens this notoriously strong material adds a modern and edgy look to any bathroom. Concrete splashbacks come in a range of colours and textures, and they're perfect for creating a minimalist and contemporary look.
Terrazzo is worth considering for shower splashback ideas too
Terrazzo is a trendy material that's made a comeback in recent years. As a result, terrazzo splashbacks come in a range of colours and patterns, from bold to simplistic (as pictured). They add a playful and fun element to any bathroom, making them ideal for bath and shower splashbacks too.
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Shower sink splashback ideas
Reclaimed wood is sustainable and eco-friendly
Eco-friendly, stylish, and warm, reclaimed wood is a rustic and natural material beautiful for any contemporary home. Consider customising reclaimed wood to suit your style and add contrasting stone or porcelain tiles to enhance the overall aesthetic.
A stone shower splashback is elegant and modern
Inject a touch of nature into your bathroom by using natural stone tiles, such as marble or slate. Not only is this splashback material elegant and easy to clean, but they're also full of character and long-lasting.
Cloakroom sink splashback ideas
Matching features offer class and cohesion
Whether it's stone, porcelain, paint or wood, cloakrooms benefit from complementary features that bring warmth and tranquillity to a bathroom. No one powders their nose without looking in the mirror, so highlighting this feature with a statement splashback and matching basin and faucets is an easy way to ensure design cohesion.
Waterproof paints are low-maintenance and easy to touch-up
Whether it's acrylic, enamel, epoxy, or glass, waterproof splashback paint is versatile and unique. You can completely make it your own by choosing the right colour to suit your decor. Epoxy is a particularly durable and waterproof option for splashbacks. It forms a hard, protective coating that's resistant to stains, chemicals, and water damage. It's also available in different finishes, including glossy and matte options.
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Do I really need a bathroom splashback?
If you need a little more convincing about the value of splashbacks, here are some top reasons:
They protect your walls
Bathroom splashbacks protect your walls from water damage, mould, and mildew. This first defence barrier is especially important in areas around the sink and shower, where wayward water splashes over and slowly causes damage over time.
They're easy-to-clean elements
Splashbacks have minimum cleanup and maintenance requirements. You can wipe them down with a damp cloth or cleaning solution to remove any dirt, grime, or soap scum (unlike a painted wall or wallpaper).
They add style and pizazz
If you're looking for a pop of colour, pattern, or texture in your space, a well-designed splashback will let you express your personal style and make a fun statement.
Your home's aesthetic appeal increases
A well-designed and functional bathroom increases your home's appeal and, ergo, its value. Including a bathroom splashback in your design ideas is a small upgrade that makes a big difference to the appearance and functionality of your bathroom.
They delay future renovation costs
Installing a bathroom splashback helps to prevent future renovation costs due to water damage or mould growth. As a result, it's an investment in the longevity and health of your bathroom.
Alternatives to splashbacks
While traditional splashback materials like tiles, glass, and stone are popular choices for both bathrooms and kitchens, there are also alternative materials that can be used to create a unique and functional splashback.
Chalkboard paint: Write notes, grocery lists, and recipes on the wall for a fun, functional and interactive space.
Wallpaper: There are waterproof versions with endless patterns and designs to choose from, but expect to replace them more frequently.
Stainless steel: It's a durable, heat-resistant, and easy-to-clean material, making it perfect for kitchen splashbacks.
Brick: Brick splashbacks offer a rustic and industrial aesthetic but they're a little harder to keep clean without being coated before installation.
Reclaimed wood: Sustainable and eco-friendly, they add a rustic and natural look to any space. You can also customise them to fit any style.
Metal sheeting: Versatile and stylish, metal sheeting has a range of finishes, including popular materials such as copper and brass.
Stone veneer: Stone veneer is a lightweight and affordable alternative to natural stone and adds a high-end look to any bathroom or kitchen.
Printed glass: Modern and unique, you can create a custom design for your bathroom from a range of patterns, images, and colours.
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