A blue bathroom backsplash can be a gorgeous way to bring a coastal vibe into your home. The cool tones of blue evoke thoughts of the ocean and can make your bathroom feel like a relaxing beach retreat. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best blue bathroom backsplash ideas and ways to incorporate blue hues into your design.
Choosing the Right Shade of Blue
When selecting a blue for your backsplash, think about the mood you want to create. Light blue shades like powder blue and sky blue have an airy, peaceful vibe. Bold cobalt or navy blue backsplashes make more of a dramatic statement. Aqua blue and teal blue offer a playful, beachy look. Consider the size of your space too – darker blues can feel soothing in a large bathroom but may overwhelm a small powder room.
The tone of blue you choose will impact the overall look and feel. Here are some popular blue shades for backsplashes:
- Powder Blue: A very soft, pale blue that creates a gentle, ethereal look. Powder blue is relaxing and pairs well with white and gray.
- Sky Blue: Slightly bolder than powder blue, sky blue is a light cerulean shade. It’s crisp, calming, and works with transitional to modern styles.
- Aqua: A tropical blue-green that calls to mind warm ocean waters. Aqua is vibrant but not overpowering. It’s ideal for beachy designs.
- Teal: A jewel-toned blue with green undertones. Teal makes a dramatic statement and pairs nicely with lime and seafoam greens.
- Navy Blue: A universally flattering deep blue that creates an elegant, sophisticated look. Navy is bold but grounding. It’s perfect for traditional styles.
- Cobalt Blue: A vivid mid-range blue that really pops. Cobalt has high-impact energy. Use it sparingly or mix with white.
Types of Blue Backsplash Tiles
The material you choose for a blue backsplash also affects the overall aesthetic. Consider these popular options:
- Glass tile: Available in every shade of blue imaginable, glass tile has a luminosity and sheen. Great for modern designs or making a small space feel larger.
- Subway tile: Classic 3×6″ blue subway tiles create a timeless, clean look. Use glossy finish for high shine or matte for softened effect.
- Moroccan tile: Intricate patterns and shapes in aqua and navy blue bring exotic Moroccan flair. Works great in boho designs.
- Handpainted tile: One-of-a-kind tiles handpainted in any color offer artsy, eclectic style. Detailed blue designs make a focal point.
- Mosaic tile: Tiny glass, porcelain or stone tiles in blue create a pointillist effect. Use mosaic sheets or mix colors.
- Stone tile: Honed natural stone like marble or travertine in soft blue-gray brings organic texture. Veining adds interest.
Creative Ways to Use Blue in Bathroom Backsplashes
A blue backsplash doesn’t have to be boring. Consider unique shapes, patterns and applications:
- Geometric designs: Add visual interest with geometric shapes like chevrons, starbursts or circular patterns in glossy blue tile.
- Moroccan shapes: Tile with intricate Moroccan patterns, star and octagon motifs, lace insets or scalloped edges.
- Ombre effect: Gradating shades of blue from dark to light creates a soothing ombre look.
- Bordered tiles: Frame decorative field tile with a contrasting blue tile border in a darker shade.
- Accent stripes: Stripes of varying widths in powder blue glass tile add nautical flair against white.
- Tiled niches: Recess shelving into the backsplash and tile the interior niche in a stunning cobalt.
- Mini subway tile: Use thin bricklaid rows of miniature subway tile as an accent against larger tiles.
- Herringbone pattern: Add visual texture and movement with a herringbone layout in blue and white.
- Diamond insets: Floating small diamond or octagon shapes scattered across the backsplash pop in teal glass.
Complementary Colors for Blue Bathroom Backsplashes
Choosing hues that complement a blue backsplash is key to creating a cohesive look. Soft neutrals and pale underwater colors enhance the soothing oceanic vibe.
- White: Crisp, bright white has a clean, beachy feel against blue backsplashes in any shade. A classic pairing.
- Gray: Cool, moody grays in stone or concrete add stylish contrast and highlight blue’s vibrancy.
- Green: Aqua, teal and mint green bring out blues’ green undertones for a tropical palette. Great with marble.
- Yellow: Buttery yellows give powder or sky blue backsplashes a cheerful, sunny look. Use with caution.
- Sand: Natural hues like sand, oyster white, or almond paired with blue evoke a peaceful coastal aesthetic.
- Seafoam: A soft pale green with blue tones that blends beautifully with aqua blue glass or ceramic tile.
- Navy: For dramatic impact, pair rich navy backsplashes with black accents and metals.
Best Paint Colors for Blue Bathroom Backsplashes
The wall color you choose can dramatically impact the look of a blue backsplash. Here are pleasing blue and white paint combinations:
- Powder blue backsplash: Pair with white, pale gray, light sand, or taupe walls.
- Sky blue backsplash: Match with white, gray-blue, sage, or beige walls.
- Aqua blue backsplash: Complement with white, sand, mint, or celadon walls.
- Navy blue backsplash: Contrast with white, pale yellow, or robin’s egg walls.
- Cobalt blue backsplash: Display against white, light gray, or soft peach walls.
Avoid matching blue backsplashes and paint colors exactly unless using shades with the same undertones. Instead pick wall hues that highlight blue tones.
Stylish Blue Bathroom Backsplash Ideas and Combinations
Here are some chic and creative ways to incorporate blue backsplashes in bathrooms of all styles:
Powder Blue Glass Subway Tile
Small glossy powder blue subway tiles paired with white grout create a light, ethereal look against walls painted a warm sand hue. Add touches of chrome and elegantly veined marble for a peaceful spa vibe.
Midnight Blue Moroccan Tile
For exotic drama, clad the backsplash in glossy navy blue encaustic cement tile with an intricate Moorish design. Match with dark wood cabinetry and gold accents for a glamorous Moroccan escape.
Blue and White Herringbone Brick
Lay a classic blue and white herringbone pattern in the shower or behind a clawfoot tub for timeless appeal. Use matte finish tiles for a softened effect. Accent with antique bronze fixtures.
Ombre Diamond Field Tile
Install a field of small iridescent glass tiles gradating from aqua to deeper teal. Floating mother of pearl mosaic tiles add shimmer and tie in with iridescent vessel sinks. A refreshing, on-trend look.
Vintage Aqua and Navy Geometric
A retro-inspired backsplash looks stunning with glossy hand-painted and geometric tiles in sapphire, aqua and mint green. Add vintage appeal with chrome, a checkerboard floor and subway wall tile.
Coastal Blue and White Stripes
Nothing says beach house like classic blue and white stripes. Use vibrant sky blue porcelain tile and bright white grout. Keep walls, cabinetry and fixtures light. The bold stripes make the statement.
Tiffany Blue Accent
Make a bold accent wall with glossy robin’s egg blue subway tiles stacked vertically behind the tub. Crisp white elsewhere keeps the look fresh and elegant. Add brass fixtures for a designer touch.
Questions to Ask When Planning a Blue Backsplash
Deciding on the perfect blue backsplash requires considering a few practical factors:
What feeling do you want the blue to evoke?
Light powdery blues suggest airy tranquility while bold navy feels dramatic and exotic. Pick a shade that matches your mood.
What style is your bathroom?
Vintage bathrooms suit classic patterns like subway tile in lighter blues. Modern and contemporary spaces can handle bold cobalt and geometric designs.
What size is the bathroom?
In small baths, go for light blue on a portion of one wall as an accent. Large luxe baths can handle full navy blue statement backsplashes.
What are your other color schemes?
Make sure your blue choice enhances other colors like wall paint, vanities, tile and fixtures. Sample tiles first.
Does the blue have the right undertones?
You don’t want a blue to clash with other materials. Check undertones match other cool grays and beiges in the space.
How will light affect it?
Lighter blues show discoloration easily. Dark blues can get overpowering in low light. See tile samples in all light conditions first.
Avoiding Clashing Colors with Blue Backsplashes
To keep a blue backsplash looking cohesive, avoid these potentially clashing color combinations:
- Don’t pair blue and blue-green – their competing undertones can vibrate.
- Don’t mix warm and cool blues which look discordant together.
- Don’t combine blues and reds – the contrast is jarring and vibrant.
- Don’t add too many other cool colors like purple and emerald green which fight the blue tones.
- Don’t introduce conflicting warm metals like bronze or gold unless you want a bold mismatched look.
Creating a Coastal Bathroom with Blue Backsplash Ideas
A few simple design choices can transform a bathroom into a relaxing coastal retreat with the addition of a blue backsplash:
- Incorporate natural textures like weathered driftwood, woven seagrass, rattan baskets and linen for a beach house vibe.
- Add subtle nautical elements like rope-framed mirrors, anchors on walls, and seashells in glass containers.
- Install beadboard wainscoting, shiplap or tongue-and-groove wood on walls and ceilings for New England cottage appeal.
- Choose furnishings with a casual, stripped-down aesthetic in wicker, white-washed wood or concrete for a breezy style.
- Accent with greenery like palms, ferns or eucalyptus tied with jute bows and displayed in woven baskets or driftwood containers.
- Use accessories in white, navy and sky blue to reflect colors seen by the seashore. Incorporate weathered signs, buoys and oars.
With a few strategic blue-inspired accents, you can easily achieve a relaxing oasis of style reminiscent of the calming oceanfront. A blue backsplash is the perfect focal point to build your coastal bathroom escape around.
FAQ About Blue Bathroom Backsplashes
Still have questions about how to design the perfect blue backsplash? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Which blue bathroom backsplash ideas work best in small bathrooms?
In small baths focus color on one wall or use a strip of handpainted or mosaic blue tile on the vanity wall as an accent. Avoid dark blues which can overwhelm.
What type of tile has the most vivid blue colors?
Glass, porcelain and ceramic tile offer the most variety and saturation of blue hues, from pastel to cobalt. Avoid natural stone that can be limited in blues.
What grout color should I choose?
White grout provides clean contrast with blue tiles. Matching blue grout lets color shine without contrast. Dark grout adds definition. Consider matching grout color to walls.
How do I clean and maintain a blue tile backsplash?
Use a gentle pH-neutral cleaner and soft sponge. Re-seal grout periodically. Avoid harsh chemicals and scrubbing. Wipe up spills promptly before they stain grout.
Should I accessorize a blue backsplash bathroom differently?
Stick to cool tones like silver, nickel, chrome and accent with clear glass vessels, mirrors, sconces for a harmonious look. Brass provides nice contrast.
Can I create a focal point somehow on my blue backsplash?
Use an interesting border tile or frame the entire backsplash area by outlining with subway tiles oriented vertically or horizontally in a darker blue.
What type of mirror or medicine cabinet looks best with a blue backsplash?
Floating frameless mirrors keep the focus on gorgeous blue tile. Add rectangular medicine cabinets near vanities to echo subway tile shape.
Elegant and Coastal: The Soothing Appeal of Blue Backsplashes
With so many shades and options for texture, shape and design, blue truly makes for an endlessly versatile and appealing backsplash tile color.
From calming pale blue glass to vivid Moroccan-inspired navy designs, blue backsplash tile can transform a bathroom into a relaxing retreat with stylish coastal flair.
Whether you prefer an airy, beachy mood or seek a dramatic oasis, there is a beautiful blue backsplash idea that can bring your dream bathroom to life. With smart planning and design choices that complement the shades and textures of blue tile, you can craft a stunning and soothing bathroom sanctuary.
Doesn’t a blue backsplash bathroom sound like the perfectly peaceful way to start and end each day? Let the cool hues of blue wash over you and create a private escape right at home.