Where to tile in a small bathroom?

10 months ago

We’re building a smallish bathroom in our basement with a curbless shower to accommodate our aging parents when they visit (possibly one day longer term). It is also the main guest bathroom when our kids are playing in the rec room.

For context on the modern / midcentury modern aesthetic we’re trying to keep consistent across our home: attached are pics of the floating walnut vanity and simple large white tile we’re planning to use for all floor and walls.

Here’s the options I’m considering in addition to tiling the shower walls:

None. This was the original plan as I was aiming to keep the tile simple so we can change out the style with paint & accessories over the years. But not loving the sinks with backsplashes.
Tile the wall behind the vanity and toilet? Probably more practical but would it look weird to leave the one far wall as drywall?
Only tile a little vertical accent behind the vanity all the way to the ceiling?
Tile all the walls!

Note: Cost is always a factor but since it’s a relatively small space and inexpensive tile, it’s not the main factor. For whatever personal preference, I don’t like half tiles walls- would rather go all the way up.

Thank you!

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Comments (5)

dani_m08
10 months ago
I would definitely not tile the entire room - it would feel like a hospital/operating room to me.

Personally, I like option one the best.

But not loving the sinks with backsplashes.

I assume that you meant to type that you don't love not having a backsplash for the sink(s). I would just use a piece of your countertop material for a backsplash behind the vanity. You could make it taller than the typical 4" piece + mount the faucet on the wall.

You could also add a little shelf above the the backsplash piece:

Here is one that is even taller with wall mounted fixtures. Also, the thick mitered edge used for the countertop looks nice.

Here is floating walnut one with a little higher piece used for the backsplash - but the fixtures are mounted on the countertop instead of wall mounted.

Here is a walnut floating vanity with solid white quartz (or corian) used for the countertop + backsplash.

Here is another walnut floating vanity with a higher backsplash piece + a skinny ledge/trim to finish the top off before using a large mirror over it. The skinny ledge/trim piece looks similar to the skinny/slim shaker drawer fronts.

This one has a white oak backsplash piece that matches the vanity - you could do the same with walnut. I assume that it's been sealed with some waterproof top coat (maybe like what is used on boats?) or it may just be water resistant.

Here is one with large format white tile used on the wall behind a floating vanity - personally, I don't like this one as much as the other examples - but you might:
Bryanna B
Original Author
10 months ago
Thank you so much for your insights and visual examples. I’m liking the wood backsplash if I can find a match or
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Bryanna B
Original Author
10 months ago
May need to spring for the higher quality sink to get material nice enough looking to have extend up the wall.
Bryanna B
Original Author
10 months ago
Those embedded types are what I meant when I said I don’t usually like sinks with backsplashes.
Bryanna B
Original Author
10 months ago
We’re moving fast on this project so will circle back with pics soon! (Sorry for the multiple posts- app is being wonky)