The Trendy Bathroom Backsplash That Has Homeowners Swapping Out Basic Tile

If you've been itching to change up your bathroom backsplash, there's no time like the present. In fact, statement-making backsplashes have been trending for a few years already. For those who want to pair uniqueness with timeless old-world charm, you can't beat a tiled backsplash — so long as you choose the right kind of tiles. You don't need to commit to bright colors or maximalist patterns to create a focal point in your bathroom. It's easy to fall in love with glazed thin brick, which offers unrivaled texture while protecting the wall nearby your sink from moisture. Imagine white subway tiles — an arguably overused trend on its way out — with visible surface texture and a saturated yet muted finish.

There are several reasons why glazed thin brick is a stunning tile trend that is gaining popularity. With visible depth and variation, glazed thin bricks are not supposed to look cookie-cutter perfect. They combine the irregular beauty of wall bricks with a hardy, reflective glass surface. Another major benefit is that they come in an endless range of colors. However, rather than the vibrant shades of, say, standard ceramic tiles, the hues are earthy in tone. Install these enduring tiles to keep your bathroom design on-trend for years to come. They work especially well in rustic farmhouse bathrooms and creative tile layout patterns.

There are a few common mistakes everyone makes when buying backsplash tiles, and one of the biggest is selecting the wrong material. There are pros and cons to consider before you invest in boxes of glazed thin brick tile. A major benefit of this type of tile is that the glazed surface won't absorb moisture or stains. It also resists scratching easily, which is ideal for homeowners who want a low-maintenance bathroom or have a particularly humid space. When the glazed thin brick tile is laid closely together, the naturally irregular size of the tiles becomes obvious. You'll need to use wider grout lines (and therefore more grout) to distract the eye from these differences — a downside for some renovators.

Glazed thin brick tiles are far lighter than traditional bricks, so they may pose fewer structural challenges than other types of backsplash materials. Nonetheless, your bathroom wall or fixtures may still not be able to handle the weight. If you're unsure of weight limits and reinforcement needs, speak with a contractor before you add a backsplash to your bathroom vanity. This type of tile is unique, handcrafted, and bespoke. As such, it is often more expensive than common mass-produced ceramic or porcelain tiles. You may have to balance cost against achieving your aesthetic dreams in your bathroom. There are ways to use fewer glazed thin brick tiles and still take advantage of their distinctive warmth, texture, and character, such as applying just one to two rows of tall tiles behind your sink.