When you hear the words “backsplash,” the first thing that probably comes to mind is traditional tile in neutral colors. Although tile is the most popular backsplash design in America, it isn’t the end-all-be-all of backsplashes. While tile is a fine choice, why not express your individuality with a creative backsplash that’s guaranteed to be a conversation-starter among family and friends? If you’re interested in bringing some style to your bathroom, try one of these creative backsplash ideas that won’t break your budget.

Pegboard

While pegboard is definitely an out-of-the-box backsplash choice, it’s as stylish as it is functional. The pegboard can easily be painted to match the color scheme of the rest of your bathroom and provides extra storage and display space. The inexpensive pegboard panels can be purchased from any home improvement store and are easy to fasten to the walls — even a novice DIYer won’t have a problem. Add hooks to hang hair dryers, curling irons, toothbrushes, or other bathroom accessories, freeing up valuable storage space.

Pennies

We’ve all seen penny floors and kitchen countertops, so it was only a matter of time until they invaded bathroom backsplashes. Perfect for bathrooms with a rustic or traditional ambiance, penny backsplashes can be purchased from manufacturers and installed professionally, or built from scratch with grout, a collection of pennies, and some TLC. Although some question the legality of using federal currency for decoration, it’s generally considered fine for this stylish design choice.

Maps

Whether you’re a world traveler or just a dreamer, express your personality by using a world map as your bathroom backsplash — imagine daydreaming of your next vacation while brushing your teeth. This idea isn’t limited to maps: wrapping paper, comic strips, magazine covers, or newsprint all work. For DIYers, cut a thin piece of plywood to size, glue your paper on top, apply shellac, and attach the plywood directly to the wall.

Salvaged Wood

Vintage, reclaimed, salvaged, antique, rustic — all are trending in home décor. While distressed wood can be faked, nothing beats the real thing. To create this backsplash, cut a thin piece of plywood to the wall size, attach strips or pieces of salvaged wood, and screw the whole piece onto the wall. Salvaged wood works especially well in cottage-style bathrooms or spaces in need of texture.

Chalkboard

Whether you use a genuine chalkboard or chalkboard paint, a chalkboard backsplash works great near a vanity. Write notes, leave reminders, or invite friends and family to draw. For a child’s bathroom, extend it around the bathtub so kids can express creativity during baths without you worrying about scrubbing walls.