I think I would go all the way around.

I'd also go all the way around.

While backsplashes add a decorative element in a room, they are functional as well, to protect walls from water damage.

In the room pictured, I'd put the backsplash everywhere that water could splash--all the way around.

I'm thinking that it will look too boxed-in with granite all the way around. Does it have to be 4" granite?

treasuretheday-

I'd put mirror down to the granite on all 3 sides (center and two angled walls)and have no BS at all on the straight walls.

Good luck-

sandyponder

Could you use something besides granite for your backsplash? Maybe tile? that way you could pick something that wasn't quite as bold and it wouldn't look blocky. I would go all the way around with it, but on the walls w/ your mirrors make sure your mirrors come all the way down to your backsplash.

I have seen it done before where the mirrors were dropped down into the tile (so for example, on the side walls w/ no mirrors have the tile about 8 inches up, then have the tile go up 4 inches on your mirror walls and have the mirrors butt up against the tile). It would give it a nice flow.

This is sort of the idea I am talking about. Now, this is a kitchen w/ windows, but the same concept (picture your walls, and replace windows w/ mirrors):

The more I think about the mirror to the counter, the more I'd be concerned that the mirror would always be dirty and hard to clean well behind the faucet -- and it will reflect anything you miss. I would go on the three back sections and look at angling the edges down toward the front so it doesn't feel chopped. I think I would also feel that all 5 sections would feel boxed in and make the area feel smaller. Keep it feeling as open as you can. Love the way the second angled wall has redefined and finished the space. Perfect example of taking a problem and turning it into a plus.

Hmmmm, interesting points and suggestions... thank you! And thanks, Loranium, for the picture and suggestion. I do like that look!

So far, it looks like it's 4-3 in favor of going all the way around, although possibly not with granite.

Here's is a little more info which may make a difference, or maybe not...

This is a 37" wide vanity in an L-shaped water closet that we built during our masterbath remodel. The vanity in this picture will only be used for washing our hands after using the toilet. I'm not too concerned about it feeling too closed in/small because of the nature of the room. There is no natural light but we did put in a 10" Solatube in the ceiling. We're keeping the lighting simple with a two light fixture centered above the mirror. In the main bathroom, we have two separate and larger vanities with sconces. Each of these have upper cabinets with a valance and we're planning a 4" granite backsplash that will go between the upper cabinets only. I know that our granite is very busy but, given our limited use of backsplash, we decided to go with granite instead of introducing another type of tile in the room. (Our shower has travertine deco accents which wouldn't be practical or affordable to use as backsplash.)

Any further thoughts?

Thanks so much!

You do need backsplash, go all the way you just dont need to go as high or how about a piece of corian for instance make it look fancy cut like a piece of furniture.

I think I prefer the backsplash all around

I vote for going all around...like calman said, it serves function too...to protect the walls. Besides, I think it looks abrupt and incomplete if you only did it partially.

Wow, Suero, thanks for photoshopping my picture... that really helps. I think I do prefer the granite all around. I really appreciate all of your input because I've reached the point in this project where I am tired of making decisions (and then second-guessing them.) I just need this to be done!