How to choose a glass kitchen splashback for your kitchen

Updated 27th October 2026.

A splashback does more than protect your walls from smears and stains; it complements your kitchen’s overall design and adds to the aesthetics.

A glass splashback provides an elegant and modern touch to your kitchen while also being practical and easy to clean. However, choosing the right glass splashback can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together this guide to help you make the right choice for your kitchen.

Is a glass splashback the right option?

When choosing a glass kitchen splashback, look for 6mm toughened safety glass above all other specifications. This ensures you have the best combination of eye-catching design and long-lasting durability, so your kitchen can stand up to the daily tasks while looking beautiful. 

While researching, you might be comparing glass splashbacks vs tiles or glass splashbacks vs acrylic splashbacks.  While we’ll touch on this later, for most homes, a glass splashback is the recommended solution because it offers:

• Increased durability - Toughened glass splashbacks are incredibly durable, and they won't chip or scratch easily, making them perfect for use behind your stove or sink.

• Improved hygiene - Glass splashbacks are non-porous, so they won't harbour bacteria or germs, which makes them easy to clean and ideal for kitchen use.

• A wide range of styles - Glass splashbacks are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and textures, making them a versatile option that can be customised to fit any kitchen design.

• An airy, open feel - Glass splashbacks reflect light and can brighten up your kitchen space, making them a great option for darker kitchens or spaces with limited natural light.

If these are all things you’ll need from your splashback, then a glass splashback is the right option.

Acrylic or glass splashbacks: what’s the difference? 

The main difference between glass and acrylic splashbacks is the material – one is toughened glass, while the other is acrylic cut from a sheet of plastic. 

That difference affects where each one can go. Toughened glass is heat resistant, so it can sit behind hobs and other heat sources without damage, while acrylic sheets shouldn’t be placed behind a heat source. 

Other differences include: 

• Scratch-resistance - Toughened glass is more robust, meaning it can resist impact, scratches, and general wear and tear for longer, without showing signs of damage.

• Longer lasting - Acrylic has a shorter expected lifespan when compared to toughened glass.  

• A wider range of designs, styles, and colours - While acrylic is available in a wide range of colours, glass kitchen splashbacks can be colour matched to leading paint brands, printed with designs from a library or custom images, and made to look like marble. 

• Installation particulars - For novice DIYers, installing a glass or acrylic splashback is similar; you will just need to take more care with glass and have a second pair of hands to help you support the weight of the glass. 

What should I look for when choosing a glass kitchen splashback? 

Once you’ve decided on glass for your splashback, you need to check a few things before you order, so you get what you expect and to improve installation outcomes. This includes: 

Toughened safety glass 

Always choose toughened glass to maintain safety in a kitchen. The toughening process heat-treats the glass, making it much stronger than traditional annealed glass and ensuring it can withstand heat exposure, which is why it’s safe behind a hob as long as you leave a 100mm clearance and check with manufacturer recommendations.

Look for polished edges too, for a clean, finished look. 

There are different types of glass available, including clear, tinted, painted, and printed options, so choose one that complements the style and design of your kitchen.

Measurement and sizing 

Before ordering a splashback, accurate measurements of the wall are essential. This includes measuring the height and width of the area where the splashback will be installed, as well as any cut-outs required for sockets, switches, or other fixtures.

Toughened glass can’t be cut or drilled once it’s made, so every cut-out, notch, or screw hole needs to be included in your order. 

Wall conditions 

The wall where the splashback will be installed must be clean, dry, flat, and sound. Glass can be fitted over existing tiles, as long as they are firmly fixed and level, but always remove wallpaper or flaking paint first so the adhesive has a solid surface to bond to. Any bumps or unevenness can affect the installation and the appearance of the splashback.

Installation method 

The installation method for a glass splashback can vary depending on the type of wall and the size and weight of the splashback. Most glass splashbacks are bonded to the wall with solvent-free splashback adhesive, which keeps the front design uninterrupted and won’t damage a painted or printed finish. 

If you’d rather use screws, request drilled holes when you order. 

How thick should a glass splashback be?

A glass kitchen splashback should be at least 6mm thick and made from toughened glass. 6mm is the standard thickness for kitchens because it gives the strength and heat resistance needed to stand behind a hob or cooker, while staying light enough to bond to the wall. 

What style and colour are you going for with a glass splashback?

Once you've decided on a glass splashback, the next step is to choose the style and colour that best suits your kitchen. Here are some points to consider when choosing a style and colour:

• Personal preference - Your personal taste should be the primary factor in choosing the style and colour of your splashback.

• Design - Your splashback should complement the overall design of your kitchen, whether it's contemporary, traditional, or eclectic.

• Colour scheme - The colour of your splashback should work well with your kitchen's colour scheme, cabinets, and countertops.

• Lighting - Consider how the splashback will interact with the lighting in your kitchen, as it can affect the appearance of the colour and texture.

• Texture - Glass splashbacks come in a range of textures, from smooth and glossy to mirrored and frosted, so consider the overall look and feel of your kitchen when choosing a texture.

Glass splashback ideas for every kitchen style 

Looking for kitchen splashback ideas? Glass works with almost any look, from pared-back modern kitchens to bold, characterful spaces. Here are four popular styles to inspire your design.

Minimalist

For a clean, minimalist kitchen, choose a single soft colour, such as white or light grey, or a clear toughened glass that protects the wall while letting the paint colour show through. A seamless panel with no grout lines keeps the kitchen calm and uncluttered.