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What a splashback does in a bathroom
A splashback is the section of wall behind the basin, around the bath or beside the toilet that catches water splashes. Without protection, the wall absorbs moisture, stains and eventually grows mould. A splashback is both practical and decorative — it protects the wall and finishes the room.
In a bathroom renovation, the splashback is an opportunity to add a design detail without committing to a feature wall across the entire room.
Tiles: the most common option
Tiles are the standard splashback material in Australian bathrooms. They are waterproof, durable and available in more colours, patterns and sizes than any other material. A tile splashback behind the vanity can match the shower tiles for a unified look or use a feature tile for contrast.
Subway tiles in a brick pattern are the most popular style for a vanity splashback. Mosaic tiles, Moroccan-pattern tiles and geometric shapes are used for more decorative effects. Our colour schemes guide covers how to choose tiles that work with the rest of the room.
The main maintenance consideration is grout. A tile splashback behind a basin gets wet daily. Epoxy grout resists staining and mould better than cement grout in this location.
Glass panels
A glass panel is a single sheet of toughened glass mounted to the wall. It is seamless — no grout lines, no joints — which makes it easy to clean. A wipe with glass cleaner keeps it clear.
Glass can be clear, tinted or back-painted in any colour. A back-painted glass panel in a bold colour behind the vanity can be a strong design feature. Clear glass over a feature wallpaper or paint creates a layered look.
The downside is cost. A custom-cut glass panel, templated to the exact wall dimensions, costs more than tiles. It also needs precise wall preparation — the wall behind the glass must be flat and finished, because any imperfection shows through.
Natural stone
A stone slab — marble, granite or engineered stone — as a splashback creates a premium, seamless surface. It is particularly effective behind a freestanding vanity or as a feature behind a bath.
Stone needs sealing. Marble is porous and stains from soap, toothpaste and water marks if not sealed and wiped regularly. Engineered stone (a composite of quartz and resin) is non-porous and lower maintenance, but it does not have the natural veining of real marble.
Our tapware guide covers how to match the splashback material with the tap and accessory finishes.
Acrylic and composite panels
Acrylic panels are lightweight, waterproof and available in a wide range of colours. They install with adhesive directly to the wall. There are no grout lines and no sealing needed.
They are the most affordable seamless option and suit budget renovations or rental properties where a premium finish is not required. The surface can scratch more easily than glass or tile, and it does not have the visual depth of stone or glass.
Height and coverage
A vanity splashback typically runs from the vanity top to 200 to 400 millimetres up the wall. A full-height splashback runs from the vanity to the ceiling or to the bottom of the mirror. Full-height coverage is easier to maintain because there is no exposed painted wall above the splashback to catch water.
Behind a bath, the splashback should cover the wall area that gets wet. For a freestanding bath, that may be the wall from floor to 600 millimetres above the bath rim. For an alcove bath, the end wall and the back wall are usually fully tiled.
How ETR designs splashbacks
The splashback material, height and tile pattern are part of the design phase. Farah Dawood works out how the splashback relates to the vanity, the mirror and the overall tile layout. The goal is a detail that works with the room, not one that competes with it.
Every splashback in a wet area is installed over proper waterproofing to AS 3740. A free on-site measure anywhere in Sydney is the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a splashback behind the bathroom vanity?
It is strongly recommended. Water from the basin splashes onto the wall daily. Without a waterproof surface, the paint or plaster absorbs moisture, stains and eventually grows mould. A splashback protects the wall and is far easier to clean.
What is the cheapest splashback option?
Acrylic panels are the most affordable seamless option. Standard ceramic tiles are the most affordable tiled option. Both are waterproof and durable. The cheapest overall depends on the size of the area and whether the tiles need grout.
Can I use paint instead of a splashback?
Semi-gloss or gloss bathroom paint is water-resistant, not waterproof. It works above a splashback or in areas that get minimal splash, but it will not hold up behind a basin that gets wet every day. A physical splashback is a better long-term solution.
How high should a bathroom splashback be?
Behind a vanity, at least 200 millimetres above the basin is the minimum. Full-height — from the vanity to the mirror or ceiling — is better for maintenance and looks more finished. Behind a bath, cover any area that gets wet.
Is glass or tile easier to maintain?
Glass is easier to clean because it has no grout lines. A wipe with glass cleaner is all it needs. Tiles with epoxy grout are close — the non-porous grout resists staining. Tiles with cement grout need more regular cleaning and periodic resealing.