What to use as a back splash?

Question

So recently we replaced our vanity in our powder room with one that is similar to the attached picture. When we installed it we noticed that there wasn't any kind of back splash on the back or side of it. Should I really worry about this? I feel like it should have something? My husband also wants to try and cover up the line on the wall left by the previous vanity which did have a back spash and there is a small space between the wall and side of cabinet. Any inexpensive simple DIY suggestions?

Hannah V · Answer

There's lots of DIY Backsplash ideas and tutorials on here. Here's one of many! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/backsplashes/super-simple-diy-tile-backsplash-3442774

Laura Bender · Answer

Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas on a bathroom back splash. I think my husband wants it more for cosmetic reasons. I just wonder if its necessary. Its not the master bath, its a small powder room. I don't think there would be that much water splashing up onto the walls.

Robinshay4 · Answer

We recently moved into a very high end home, and it isn't very old ( 5 yrs.) they have all the high end finishes and appliances, and 20 foot ceilings in the entrance and in our master bathroom and in the living room. I say this to follow up with, in the three bathrooms, behind the sinks, which are also very high end, they don't have a back splash. Which I was kind of surprised at. Our old home had a small back splash of like 2 inches. But this home doesn't have back splashes, and it passed a home inspection. So I don't think it is something that is necessary. I wasn't bragging about the home, I was just saying if a home like this doesn't have one, in the bathrooms, then I wouldn't think it would be necessary :)

Hope Williams · Answer

I think there should be backsplashes.  They prevent water damage to the drywall.  Just install what goes with your design and tastes.

Laura Bender · Answer

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and comments! I do think we need something - Like Hope mentioned, I don't want to damage the drywall. Will have to do a little research on what might look good. I will have to include a photo of what it looks like minus the back splash and get some additional ideas :-)

Liliana Wells · Answer

Glass tiles come to mind. I think they would go with the style of the vanity and sink. There are lots of ideas out there. Start looking at options at Home Depot, ask questions. In one of our houses, the previous owners had installed the same Formica they used for the counters for backsplashes. I believe this also come in sheets. Not one of my favorite solutions, but it's an idea to cover that line that you mentioned.

Judy Botts · Answer

I did a backsplash in my kitchen recently and needed to be very economical. Bought a textured wallpaper from Home Depot, it's white and looks like those tin ceiling tile squares. Put up like normal wallpaper at a backsplash height. Then found metallic brushed silver paint (Martha Stewart) applied two coats then protected with a coat of gloss clear poly acrylic.

Jeanette S · Answer

Instead of the traditional tile backsplash, why not make one of your own...sort of like an accent piece and attach it to the wall. You could even accent it with a floating shelf above if you have enough clearance. You could make this out of strips of wood, plywood, slats of cut marble, or whatever material you like...may a cracked glass mosiac...??? Sea glass? Natural rocks glued down, varnished and framed...???? Anything that suits your fancy.

Laura Bender · Answer

That's a really excellent idea Jeanette. I like the floating shelf idea also.

Julie Parker · Answer

I don't know what your tastes are, but I've always loved the old fashioned tin ceilings. They're making a come-back, as much as backsplashes as anything! And there are faux tin tiles out now; I've read those are fairly easy to cut. For a bathroom backsplash you could probably get by with just 1 2x2 tile, if you choose with a a smaller square repeat. Like this: http://www.armstrong.com/residential-ceilings/wall/metallaire-small-panels-5424204ncp/31591-105737 Oh good- I found an article about just this idea: http://theinspiredroom.net/2012/02/01/diy-faux-tin-ceiling-tile-back-splash/

Laura Bender · Answer

I like those but my husband is not crazy for them. Thank you so much for all your suggestions!

Laura Bender · Answer

Thanks so much for everyones ideas and input

Lori · Answer

They have peel and stick look like glass tiles at Home Depot.  You can cut easily and buy what you need.

Linda 4 Real · Answer

I have done a free reclaimed wood backsplash and posted it yesterday. You could also get a very thin sheet of aluminum, sheet metal, or stainless steel and be sure to polish the edges to keep it safe (that would accent the silver knobs on the vanity). Or you could get a small piece of cement board or backer board and tile it with anything you see that you like. When buying such a small amount you could do it for $10. One more idea...If you find a nice person at a granite cutting store you could tell them the dimensions and ask if they have any scrap pieces you could look at and have, they will probably give you a free piece. They throw away all the cut outs for sinks and cooktops and it should fit your space. I will confess, lol, I did dumpster dive once at a granite place and polish the edges and I have 2 free end table tops.

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