Bathroom Countertops & Backsplash Ideas

• Clean, sleek styling makes a winning contertop and backsplash combo in this bathroom. Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

  As long as the surface is reasonably impervious to water, almost anything, from stainless steel to ceramic tiles, concrete or wood can make an effective countertop or backsplash for the bathroom. The key to a comfortable and beautiful bathroom is good planning -- including accurate measurements and a consideration of the bathroom's ultimate function, according to Home DIY Web. Effective use of color and a touch of the unexpected can also make an impact.

Modern Concrete and Steel

• Concrete does not have to be gray and lifeless. Pure white cement bases may be colored with any number of pigments from earthy to brilliant, and finished with a mirror-like polish, faux stone or added embellishments like shells or glass. For a sleek, sophisticated look, pair a yellow ochre pigmented concrete countertop with a mirror-polished stainless steel backsplash. Mate the two textures with brushed steel sinks and fixtures. For a singular accent, randomly embed silver coins in the concrete countertop.

Classic Combo

• To make bright colors really pop without looking garish, place them against a stark, neutral background. Try a polished black countertop -- either of plastic laminate or natural dark slate or black marble. For the backsplash, create vertical stripes using high-gloss ceramic tiles of black alternating with white. Continue the black-and-white theme with matching floor tiles in a classic checkerboard, and use all-white or all-black fixtures. Add hot pink or turquoise towels, curtain tiebacks or other small objects for eye-popping color.

Expanding Space

• For a tiny or windowless bathroom where both light and space are minimal, consider brightening the room with the palest of blue walls, and all-white trim, fixtures and floor tiles. Create the backsplash from tiny, mirror tiles outlined top and bottom with narrow, light-beige natural sandstone border tiles. A sky-blue laminate countertop reflected in the mirrored-tile backsplash will create an expansive feeling of open skies and sea to freshen what may otherwise be a close and stifling room. Matching sandstone tiles on the floor simulate a beach. Mix blue, white and pale beige towels to further heighten the clean seaside impression.

Old World Opulence

• Nothing says "rich" quite like a lavishly veined and polished natural white marble, especially when it is used unsparingly to create a unified counter and tall backsplash. Top the counter with a pure white porcelain bowl sink, and place brass faucets and spout directly on the marble backsplash above it. Carry out the opulent theme with all-white linens and bathroom furnishings. Use touches of gold -- embroidery, tiebacks, towels, toilet paper holders and faucets, hardware, and so forth -- everywhere. A large and highly ornate gilded mirror makes a great finishing touch.

Country Cottage

• If rustic simplicity is more to your taste, start with natural maple countertops over maple, white-pickled bead board cabinets, both carefully sealed with a waterproof finish. Create a charming backsplash with diagonally laid, 4-inch white porcelain tiles. Add hand-painted floral motif tiles every foot or so along the center line of the backsplash in place of white tiles. Continue the pickled bead board as wainscoting around the room, and paint all the trim white. A tiny floral print wallpaper above the bead board and lots of potted plants complete this look.