A granite countertop with matching granite backsplash.
The beauty of granite is that you can match it with other materials to use for backsplashes and still keep the elegant and rich focus on the granite. Backsplashes are an important design element in any size bathroom. Explore your options for backsplash ideas and find a material that suits your preferences and budget.
Granite
Continuing your granite counter tops into the same material backsplash will look amazing. If your bathroom is very small and you have a dark color granite, the same dark backsplashes may make your bathroom look smaller. Light colors work the best in a small bathroom. Another option is to have a mirror that extends along the entire wall, over your bathroom cabinet, and have the mirror extend all the way to the ceiling. Use a very short backsplash, maybe 2 inches, that goes up from the counter top and butts directly to the full wall mirror. This will give a small bathroom the appearance of it being large.
Granite is a little more expensive than other material options for backsplashes but may be worth it if you are looking for uniform colors and a finished look.
Solid Surface
Solid surface, such as Corian brand, comes in many colors. Choosing a color that compliments your granite color, either in the same or accenting tones, can look great as a backsplash. Another idea is to use the solid surface material to extend partially up the wall several inches to meet a large bathroom mirror. You can use the solid surface to encase the mirror on all sides for an impressive look that enhances the backsplash and the granite counter top.
Solid surface is also a bit expensive, but not as much as granite. If you have a small bathroom and are not using a lot of this material, it may be the next best option to the granite backsplash.
Mirrors
A few ideas using mirrors have been mentioned, however, another idea is to eliminate a backsplash and only have a mirror come down to the edge of the granite counter top. Use a decorative strip of plastic or other waterproof molding to fill in the gap between the counter and the mirror. Mirrors work great at opening up a small room, however, they would also show lots of water marks if used close to the sink.
Mirrors are not very expensive unless you get them custom sized. Some glass companies will cut them inexpensively, and the material itself is far cheaper than granite or solid surface.
Tile
Tile also looks good with granite. The nice thing about tile is that you can find so many varieties, sizes and colors that it works well almost anywhere. The tile can extend up the wall just a few inches or as far as you like. Adding a few squares of a matching color of your granite in with neutral or white color tiles will emphasis the granite counter top all the more. Extending the tiles in a 4 inch strip not only above the vanity, but around the entire bathroom wall may make a small bathroom look bigger.
Tile is moderately priced and depends greatly on the variety you choose. Some tiles can cost as much as granite by the time you add up all your materials, so estimate quantities and cost before you start the project.
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