Whilst splashbacks are most closely associated with kitchens, they can, and should, be installed as bathroom sink splashbacks, too. A splashback is a large piece of material that protects the walls and surfaces behind a sink from splashes. This helps to protect your wall décor from any damage or unsightly stains. So, it’s a great idea to install a bathroom sink splashback – but, you might be looking for splashback ideas to provide you with inspiration if you’re redecorating your bathroom.

Here are some bathroom splashback ideas that we think you’ll love!

Do you need a bathroom sink splashback?

No; realistically, you don’t need a splashback in your bathroom as the décor you’ve chosen should be waterproof anyway. However, it can be a smart idea to include it in your design both for functional and aesthetic purposes.

A bathroom splashback will serve to catch any spray from the tap as you wash your hands or brush your teeth.

Bathroom wall panels essentially create a splashback, but you can use specific bathroom splashback panels behind your sink to create a unique and stylish effect.

Advantages of having a bathroom sink splashback

  • Protects paint from water damage
  • Stops water from getting behind your vanity
  • Adds a professional or decorative finish to your basin area
  • Complements the tiling in the shower or bath enclosure
  • Resists mildew and mould
  • Easy to clean

Bathroom splashback ideas

Tile

Have you found yourself wondering: can you put splashback over tiles? Tiles are the most common form of sink splashbacks and are found in many bathrooms and kitchens across the country.  However, tiles can be difficult to install and even harder to clean, meaning that you won’t see some of the benefits of installing sink splashbacks if you choose tiles. The grout between them can harbour mould and mildew.

They do come with a wide range of styles to complement your bathroom, although you will have to factor the high maintenance into your choice.

Vanity countertop material

You can create a seamless finish to your new vanity countertop by carrying the same material up to make a matching splashback.

Installation is easy as it will require a few lines of adhesive and some silicone to stop water penetration. You can do this with granite, marble, quartz, or any other solid surface counter.

It’s cost-effective if you are purchasing a custom counter, as you end up paying for the entire slab of stone. This way, you can use more of the material rather than throwing it away, making it one of the best splashback ideas – however, this does require you to have a vanity with a material that can be carried on.

Glass

A simple and clean way to introduce colour and protect your wall, glass makes for a great bathroom sink splashback material. Glass creates a stunning and interesting effect, whether it is clear or coloured.

You could even go for glass mosaic tiles, with many glass tiles coming pre-glued making it easy to install them. Be sure if you choose glass to follow all directions for cleaning and avoid any harsh abrasives to prevent scratching the surface, if using this for your bathroom splashback ideas.

Mirror

For a small but upscale bathroom, use a mirror both for reflection and a splashback. The mirrored surface will add visual space whilst being water resistant, but you will need to have it properly mounted to stop any moisture from damaging the back of the mirror.

This isn’t the best idea for a family bathroom or a children’s bathroom, however, as if the mirror cracks, you’ll have to replace the whole thing which can be cumbersome.

Bathroom paint

Instead of installing something over the wall, you could also paint it with waterproof paint. Top up any scratches as the years go by, and you can clean it as normal. However, even bathroom waterproof paint is likely to let water penetrate the wall to cause hidden damage. However, even bathroom waterproof paint is likely to let water penetrate the wall to cause hidden damage - unlike our purple wall panels, which are a great way to add colour without risk.

Waterproof wallpaper

This stands up well to scrubbing and resisting water spots. Modern waterproof wallpaper can be found in a traditional floral or funky geometric pattern, as well as in block colours. There are plenty of different options to go for with wallpaper, and it’s a great way to personalise the space.

Wall panels

We have already mentioned that if you already have bathroom wall panels installed, you probably don’t need to consider adding sink splashbacks. However, one of our favourite splashback ideas is if you want a different effect, you could install a different wall panel behind your sink than in the rest of your bathroom.

You could opt for marble wall panels, for example, or brick effect wall panels.

Wall panels are entirely waterproof, will cause no damage to the wall underneath and are easy to clean, making them the perfect splashback material. You could use them for your whole space, or in conjunction with bathroom paint as a feature wall.