21 Design-Forward Bar Backsplash Ideas

A bar is more than just a place for refreshments; it’s where stories unfold and memories are made. And what better way to create memories than around a beautifully designed bar backsplash?

Whether you have a full-scale basement bar, a petite coffee counter, or are planning a commercial bar project, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up our favorite bar backsplash ideas ranging from classic to unconventionally eye-catching that will inspire you to elevate your bar space with the perfect handmade tile.

But before we get to the inspiration, we’re answering some common questions about bar backsplashes.

Do Wet Bars Have A Backsplash?

The answer is a resounding YES! A wet bar, just like any other bar, can benefit from a beautiful and functional backsplash. Backsplashes not only protect your wall from spills and splashes, but they also offer an excellent opportunity to elevate the design of your wet bar. Whether it’s a home bar or a commercial project, a stylish backsplash can make all the difference.

How Tall Is A Bar Backsplash?

A standard height is about 18”, but the sky’s the limit when it comes to a bar backsplash. Your choice of height depends on several factors, including the size of your bar, the type of tile you’re using, and your personal preferences.

Some prefer a lower backsplash for a sleek and modern look, while others opt for a taller backsplash to make a bold statement. It’s all about finding the right fit for your project!

What’s The Difference Between A Wet Bar And A Dry Bar?

Wet bars include a sink that provides running water, making entertaining, drink-mixing, and cleanup a breeze. Dry bars are generally placed in areas where plumbing isn’t an option so they do not have a sink but are suitable for storing and pouring drinks.

Both options benefit from a beautiful backsplash, so let's get into the inspiration!

Backsplash Ideas For Your Bar At Home

Picture this: you’ve just transformed a space in your home into the perfect haven for cheerful libations and friendly gatherings. Now what does that bar’s backsplash look like? If you’re still scouting out ideas to tie your design together, we’ve got you covered. From elegantly traditional to sleek modern spaces and everything in between, these bar backsplash ideas will breathe life into your home bar.

This compact bar may be tucked inside a cabinet, but it checks all the boxes of a well-designed space thanks to the vibrant scalloped tile backsplash that showcases our glaze’s handmade color variation.

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A vault for your treasured vintages deserves nothing but the best, and this private cellar is a perfect example. Savor your drink in the lap of luxury with a matte white herringbone backsplash and matching tiled double-barrel vaulted ceiling surrounding you.

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Geometric patterns are like tales of modernity and style, shaping your home bar with flair. In this basement bar, designer Mandy Riggar gave our white H-shaped Chaine Homme Tile a fresh take courtesy of blue grout that playfully defines the interlocking shapes.

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Wake up on the sunny side by crafting your perfect cup of coffee next to classic subway tile in a retro shade of yellow. Our bestselling Mustard Seed glaze gives this coffee bar vintage vibes with a fresh feel.

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Stir up something refreshing at this lakehouse dry bar. The backsplash of Handpainted Starburst Tile in a neutral colorway adds an artistic touch that showcases your unique style.

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Want to lean into an upscale speakeasy feel? A sophisticated two-toned backsplash will do the trick, especially if you choose our handcrafted specialty shapes to go with your handcrafted cocktails.

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For a tropical vacation just steps away, consider a tiki bar in your basement complete with a brightly colored backsplash. This vibrant space in Foxcroft Estate features a sunny yellow backsplash topped with melon pink trim that has us craving a Mai Tai.

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Mini Bar meets Mini Star and Cross! It doesn’t take a lot of square feet to make a space pop with Specialty Mini Star & Cross Tile in clean White Wash with tonal grout for a bar space that’s as elegant as it is efficient.

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Don Draper would approve. Design firm Destination Eichler is an expert in midcentury modern design, and for this Mt Ranier Eichler, they chose our oversized star-shaped Padma Tile in a custom blend of fresh mid-mod colors to make this handsome bar stand out.

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This coffee bar tucked into a picture-perfect pantry is as clean as can be, featuring vertically stacked 3x9 Ceramic Tile in matte white Calcite for an orderly minimalist look.

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Lauren Comer’s motto is “make your home your favorite place,” and transforming her unfinished basement was the perfect way to live that out. The content creator behind Pinch Plate Party hung stacked 2x8 Ceramic Tile in soothing green Rosemary for the new wet bar’s backsplash that will have her hosting in style.

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Bar Backsplash Ideas For Commercial Projects

Now imagine stepping into a trendy restaurant or bustling cafe. The atmosphere is electric, and the bar is at the heart of it all–so having an eye-catching and functional bar backsplash in that space is absolutely essential.

Backsplash designs do more than just protect the walls; they become the backdrop for memories your patrons will cherish. Or if they’re memorable enough, they can become photo opportunities on their own! Set the stage for a memorable dining or drinking experience with these stunning commercial bar backsplash ideas.

Talk about an upscale eatery! Featuring Navy Blue Scalene Triangles arranged in a striking 45-degree angle, Wildseed Restaurant’s handmade backsplash tile offers up a stunning display for its well-stocked bar.

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Voyager Craft Coffee embraces our Triangle Tile to set sail across their coffee bar’s backsplash. Embodying the cafe’s globally-inspired offering, colorful “sailboat” tiles made up of green, blue, and yellow 4” Triangles float across the length of the space in a sea of matte white.

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Saddle up to Paxton’s taproom tucked inside Albuquerque’s Sawmill Market. Glazed Thin Brick in deeply saturated Blue Ridge gives this welcoming Southwest watering hole a sophisticated touch below the taps and along the bar counter.

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Sunlight filters through this greenhouse-inspired cafe’s windows at the same angle as the handmade triangle tile backsplash highlighted by brass inlay, creating a space that’s both ethereal and elevated.

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Step inside Roses’ Taproom, a free-spirited pub that brings the beach to its bar backsplash with scalloped Ogee Drop Tile in tropical blue reminiscent of ocean waves. That's what we call a watering hole!

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If you’re searching for USA-made tile on a budget, allow us to introduce you to our Natural Press Ceramic Tile. This product line features a gorgeous palette and versatile shapes made for pattern play–and starts at just $18/SqFt with volume price breaks available so you can craft your dream bar backsplash within your budget.

The bar at Chicago’s historic Studebaker exudes sophistication thanks to its Hunter Green backsplash. Designer Rae Rockwell used a combination of 4” Hexagon and 2x8 Ceramic Tile in this opulent matte glaze to nod to the theater’s 19th-century roots while bringing it firmly into the modern age.

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Pull up a seat at this stunning restaurant bar and you’ll know exactly where you’re at thanks to the branded backsplash. Taking advantage of our custom sheeting service, this mosaic mural is Southern hospitality at its finest.

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Come for the coffee, stay for the design at Verve Coffee Roasters. Their Manhatten Beach outpost features a standout backsplash of 1x4 Sheeted Mosaic Tile in Dust Storm for a hint of dusky lavender to go with their cold brews.

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If you’re designing around a theme, we’re here to help bring the vision to life–illustrated by Robin Sushi’s bar backsplash. It’s only fitting that one of San Francisco’s hippest sushi restaurants features a koi fish-inspired backsplash using our Picket Tile in custom pink and red glazes blended with matte black Basalt.

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