We did not tile the side walls in any of our bathrooms because we aren't overly fond of that look, though I have seen bathrooms here and elsewhere with tiled side-splashes that look terrific. We made sure to use good quality, scrubbable paint in our bathrooms (we used BM Aura Bath and Spa paint; matte finish), and it seems to be holding up well*. Over the sink in the guest bathroom, we used our border tiles from the shower as a backsplash (3" high?). In our MB and hall bathroom, we tiled up to the ceilings--that decision was more for aesthetics than necessity. *I did end up scrubbing and touching-up (re-rolled) one small section of the wall between the vanity and the doorway molding in our MB after an unnoticed splatter of benzoyl peroxide gel/cream left permanent light colored spots on the wall. The section of wall next the sink/counter has been fine.

akl, not really. I bought a frame online that was the same color stain as my vanity. I decided not to use it because the wood pattern repeat was obvious on a large frame. It's been hanging on the wall of my garage ever since. At the time, opinions on GW tended to lean in favor of a framed mirror. I bought into it, esp. since I'd had a builder's grade unbevelled mirror held in place with cheap plastic brackets and thought it was too ugly a design choice for my new bathroom. I'm not anti-frame, but I'm pro big mirrors and light. I think it's a cleaner look. That being said, I'm in no rush to replace the framed mirror I ended up buying. One becomes used to things. :)

you could go as high as you like. some take it up to the mirror, some stop short, some go all the way up. just depends on your design. if your tile comes in some type of liner, edging or bevel, you finish the top w/that. or you could use a Schluter edging strip,,,or the finishing could smooth the top and run a caulking bead. without seeing the tile it's hard to say. some examples. this last one is my own. since I was doing wall mount faucets, I chose to continue my countertop up about 10" or so for my splash. Plus, I had so much going on elsewhere w/the tile, I didn't want additional busy looking tile at the sink w/this counter. He used a thinner depth on it than was on the edging.

"I was leaning towards sheet mirrors for hygienic reasons. It's easier to wipe down a mirror than to clean toothpaste/gunk off of a painted wall or wallpaper. I want wall-mount faucets for the same reason - easier to keep clean than deck-mounted faucets. However I'm not sold on the idea. " Is this a guest bath? I assume it is. I never MET a bath with any regular use, that didn't need a thorough cleaning every single week minimum. As to what's difficult about it ? That depends mobility and energy and commitment. As to kids? They GROW and fast. They don't live with you I assume. I don't ever underestimate the longevity and classic aspect of a bath. They're a pain to redo. Lots of things are fun, even reinventions from the past! I include wall mounted faucets in that genre along with trough sinks! Cute but maybe better in pictures than daily practice. You'll get more help if you show the entire bath layout, and a few inspo pics. Generally? It's not necessary to re invent wheels. You're worrying on whether they can see themselves.......if very young? I'd worry on whether they can reach the taps: )