Trending Bathroom Backsplash Materials
In 2019, bathroom backsplashes were a canvas for homeowners to express their personal style. From sleek and modern to rustic and charming, a variety of materials emerged as favorites for creating a unique and functional space.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile has been a mainstay in bathrooms for decades, and for good reason. It’s durable, affordable, and available in a vast array of colors, patterns, and finishes. Ceramic tile is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for a high-traffic area like a bathroom.
- Pros: Durable, affordable, easy to clean, wide variety of styles available.
- Cons: Can be prone to cracking or chipping, grout lines require regular cleaning.
- Examples: Subway tile, mosaic tile, patterned tile.
- Visual Description: Subway tile is a classic rectangular tile that can be arranged in a variety of patterns, such as brick or herringbone. Mosaic tile is made up of small, individual tiles that can be used to create intricate designs. Patterned tile can feature geometric designs, floral motifs, or abstract patterns.
Natural Stone
Natural stone brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to any bathroom. Materials like marble, granite, and slate are known for their unique veining and textures, adding visual interest and depth to the space.
- Pros: Durable, elegant, unique veining and textures.
- Cons: Can be expensive, requires sealing to protect against stains, prone to etching from acidic substances.
- Examples: Marble, granite, slate, travertine.
- Visual Description: Marble is known for its elegant white or gray background with intricate veining in various colors. Granite is a harder and more durable stone with bolder veining and a variety of colors. Slate is a natural stone with a matte finish and a variety of colors, from gray to green to black.
Glass Tile
Glass tile is a popular choice for those who want a modern and sophisticated look. It reflects light, creating a sense of spaciousness and brightness in the bathroom. Glass tile is also very easy to clean and maintain.
- Pros: Reflective, easy to clean, available in a variety of colors and finishes.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than ceramic tile, can be slippery when wet.
- Examples: Subway tile, mosaic tile, iridescent tile.
- Visual Description: Glass subway tile is a modern take on the classic subway tile, with a smooth, reflective surface. Glass mosaic tile can be used to create intricate designs and patterns. Iridescent glass tile has a shimmering effect that adds a touch of glamour to the bathroom.
Metal Tile
Metal tile is a trendy and modern option for bathroom backsplashes. It can be used to create a bold statement or to add a subtle accent. Metal tile is also very durable and easy to clean.
- Pros: Durable, easy to clean, can be used to create a bold statement.
- Cons: Can be expensive, can be prone to scratches or dents.
- Examples: Stainless steel, copper, brass.
- Visual Description: Stainless steel tile has a sleek and modern look. Copper tile has a warm and inviting feel. Brass tile has a vintage and elegant look.
Bathroom Backsplash Design Example, Bathroom backsplash ideas 2019
For a modern and minimalist bathroom, a backsplash made of white subway tile with gray grout would be a perfect choice. The clean lines and neutral colors would create a sense of calm and sophistication. To add a touch of interest, you could incorporate a few accent tiles in a darker gray or black. The white subway tile would reflect light, making the bathroom feel larger and brighter. The gray grout would add a subtle touch of contrast and dimension.
Popular Backsplash Styles
The bathroom backsplash is an opportunity to add personality and style to your space. From sleek and modern to classic and traditional, there are numerous backsplash styles to choose from, each offering a unique aesthetic appeal.
Minimalist Backsplashes
Minimalist backsplashes prioritize simplicity and clean lines. They are characterized by their use of neutral colors, simple patterns, and minimal ornamentation.
- Solid Colors: White, gray, black, and beige are popular choices for minimalist backsplashes, providing a clean and uncluttered look.
- Subtle Patterns: Minimalist backsplashes may incorporate subtle patterns like thin stripes, geometric shapes, or a single accent tile.
- Natural Stone: Materials like marble, granite, and slate offer a minimalist aesthetic with their natural veining and textures.
“A minimalist backsplash can make a small bathroom feel larger and more spacious.”
Example: A bathroom with a white subway tile backsplash, a simple white vanity, and chrome fixtures.
Creative Backsplash Ideas: Bathroom Backsplash Ideas 2019
Beyond traditional tiles and mosaics, 2019 saw a surge in innovative backsplash ideas that pushed the boundaries of bathroom design. These creative concepts not only added visual interest but also enhanced functionality and reflected evolving design trends.
Backsplashes as Art
This trend embraced the backsplash as a canvas for artistic expression, transforming it into a focal point of the bathroom.
- Custom Murals: Imagine a serene landscape, a vibrant abstract pattern, or even a personalized family portrait adorning your backsplash. Custom murals, created by talented artists, breathed life into bathrooms, turning them into personalized galleries. The impact on the design is transformative, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. Murals can be adapted to any bathroom size, from small powder rooms to spacious master baths, allowing for a personalized touch that reflects the homeowner’s taste.
- Geometric Patterns: Bold geometric patterns, achieved with a variety of materials like ceramic tiles, glass, or even wallpaper, added a contemporary edge to bathroom designs. These patterns, ranging from simple lines to intricate mosaics, created visual interest and depth, breaking away from traditional backsplash uniformity. Geometric patterns are versatile and can be adapted to different bathroom layouts and sizes, offering a wide range of possibilities for customization.
Natural Elements
Drawing inspiration from nature, this trend incorporated natural elements into the backsplash, bringing the outdoors in and creating a sense of serenity and tranquility.
- Stone Slabs: Large, unpolished slabs of natural stone, such as marble, granite, or slate, added a touch of rustic elegance. These slabs, often featuring unique veining and textures, became the focal point of the backsplash, adding a sense of grandeur and sophistication. Their versatility allows them to be incorporated into bathrooms of all sizes, from small powder rooms to large master baths, creating a natural and timeless ambiance.
- Wood Accents: Wood, in various forms like reclaimed planks, shiplap, or even bamboo, introduced warmth and a touch of nature into the bathroom. This trend, often used as an accent against a neutral tile backsplash, provided a contrasting texture and visual appeal. Wood accents are particularly effective in creating a spa-like atmosphere, promoting relaxation and tranquility. They can be incorporated into bathrooms of various sizes, adding a touch of rustic charm or modern sophistication depending on the style chosen.
Functional and Stylish
This trend focused on backsplashes that were both aesthetically pleasing and practical, serving multiple purposes.
- Integrated Storage: Backsplashes with integrated storage solutions, such as shelves, cubbies, or even built-in mirrors with hidden compartments, maximized space and functionality. These integrated storage solutions, often made from materials like metal, wood, or even glass, provided a sleek and streamlined look while keeping bathroom essentials organized. This approach is especially beneficial in smaller bathrooms where space is limited, offering a practical and visually appealing solution for storage.
- Lighting Integration: Backsplashes with integrated lighting, like LED strips or recessed lighting, added a modern touch and improved functionality. This trend, often used to highlight the backsplash’s design or create a mood-setting ambiance, enhanced the overall lighting scheme of the bathroom. Lighting integration is particularly effective in smaller bathrooms, where it can create a sense of spaciousness and highlight key features.
