If you’re deep in kitchen renovation planning during the December holidays, you’ve probably landed on one of the most visually impactful decisions: choosing your splashback. It’s the strip of wall that ties everything together. It protects your kitchen walls, adds personality to the space, and often becomes the feature that guests comment on.
Two of the most popular options today are mirror splashbacks and painted glass splashbacks. They both offer a sleek, grout-free finish, are customisable, and feel perfectly at home in modern kitchens. But they’re not the same when it comes to cost, maintenance, and style.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into both options to help you confidently choose the one that fits your kitchen, your lifestyle, and your renovation budget.
Quick Overview: Mirror vs Painted Glass Splashbacks
Before we break things down, here’s a high-level comparison to help you see the differences at a glance:
| Feature | Mirror Splashbacks | Painted Glass Splashbacks |
| Cost | Medium to high | Medium to high |
| Cleaning | Requires regular wiping, shows marks | Easy to clean, hides splashes well |
| Visual Impact | Reflective, creates space and depth | Customisable colours, adds contrast or softness |
| Best for | Modern, industrial, compact kitchens | All kitchen styles, especially colour-matched |
| Customisation | Limited to tints (silver, bronze, etc) | Unlimited colours, including colour matching |
| Light Reflection | Very high | Moderate, depending on finish |
| Heat Resistance | Yes, if toughened | Yes, if toughened |
| Safety | Must be toughened behind cooktops | Same requirement |
What Will It Cost You?
The cost of a splashback depends on a few factors. Not just the material, but also the layout of your kitchen, the size of the splashback area, the number of cutouts, and any custom colours or finishes you choose.
Mirror Splashbacks
- Expect to pay between $400 and $650 per square metre installed.
- Antique, grey, or bronze tints can raise the cost.
- Tricky installations or multiple electrical cutouts can add to labour costs.
- May require thicker glass for stability if installing over large spans
Painted Glass Splashbacks
- Typically, they range from $350 to $650 per square metre installed.
- Colour matching to paint brands like Dulux or Taubmans is usually included or offered for a small fee.
- Gloss, matte, metallic, or pearl finishes may slightly change pricing.
In general, both are priced similarly, so your decision might lean more on look and function than cost alone.
Cleaning and Maintenance: What to Expect in Real Life
The last thing you want is a beautiful splashback that becomes a daily chore. Let’s talk practicality.
Mirror Splashbacks
- They look stunning when clean, but show fingerprints, grease, and splashes easily.
- If your cooktop or sink sits beneath the splashback, expect more frequent cleaning.
- Best maintained with a soft cloth and glass cleaner to avoid streaks
- Homes with young children or open-plan cooking areas may find mirrors a bit high-maintenance.
Painted Glass Splashbacks
- Much easier to maintain day to day
- Surfaces are smooth, durable, and most splashes wipe away with a damp cloth.
- Less prone to showing every little fingerprint
- Great for busy households, frequent cooks, or families with kids
So, if you’re after low-fuss, painted glass is the clear winner.
Design and Aesthetic Impact
Both mirror and painted glass splashbacks add a polished, designer finish to your kitchen. But they bring very different vibes.
Mirror Splashbacks: Light, Space, Modern Glam
- Excellent for making small kitchens feel bigger due to their reflective nature
- Ideal for modern, minimalist, or industrial kitchens
- Add brightness to darker rooms or areas with limited natural light.
- Available in several tints: silver, grey, bronze, and antique for a softer, warmer tone
- It can reflect clutter, so it may not suit kitchens with lots of open shelving or visible appliances.
Painted Glass Splashbacks: Colour, Personality, Seamless Style
- Offer total freedom with colour and tone.
- You can colour-match to your cabinetry, benchtop, or even wall paint.
- Suitable for all kitchen styles: modern, traditional, coastal, Hamptons, or even eclectic
- Choose from gloss, satin, matte, or metallic finishes for even more styling control.
- Can make the splashback blend in or stand out, depending on your design goal
If you’re after a bold colour statement or a subtle integration, painted glass offers more options.
Safety and Heat Resistance: What You Need to Know
This is one area where both types are fairly equal, as long as you choose the right kind of glass.
- Always make sure your splashback is made from toughened glass.
- Toughened glass can withstand the heat from gas or electric cooktops.
- Standard glass will crack under high heat, so it’s a non-negotiable
- Mirror glass must also be toughened if placed behind a cooktop.
- Avoid adhesives that aren’t heat-rated, and always use experienced installers.
Want the full scoop on splashback safety? The Australian Glass and Glazing Association explains the heat and safety standards you need to follow in Australian kitchens.
Customization: How Far Can You Take It?
One of the biggest factors in your decision might be the level of creative control you want.
Mirror Splashbacks
- Available in a few stylish tints like silver, grey, bronze, and antique
- An antique mirror is especially popular in heritage or eclectic kitchens.
- Offers a high-end look with limited visual noise
- Cannot be colour-matched or printed on
Painted Glass Splashbacks
- Unlimited colour options, matched to any major paint brand or colour swatch
- Choose from finishes like gloss, matte, metallic, pearl, or satin.
- Add depth, texture, or a pop of colour to suit your overall theme.
- Some suppliers even offer custom image or logo printing for a one-of-a-kind look.
So, if you’re dreaming of a splashback that’s truly unique, painted glass has the edge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Your Splashback
Sometimes the best way to make the right choice is to know what not to do. Whether you’re leaning toward mirror or painted glass, here are the top mistakes homeowners make and how to steer clear of them.
1. Choosing Based on Looks Alone
It’s easy to fall in love with a stunning kitchen photo on Instagram, but that doesn’t always mean it’ll work in your space. A mirror splashback in a showroom might look amazing, but in a kitchen with full sun or lots of appliances, it could feel overwhelming. Always consider how lighting, layout, and lifestyle will affect the finish you choose.
2. Forgetting About Power Points and Cutouts
Splashbacks often need cutouts for power points or rangehoods, especially in older homes. These extra details can affect the final look and cost. Painted glass is often easier to work with for complex layouts, while mirror can be trickier due to alignment and reflections. Work with an installer who plans around your cabinetry and appliances from the start.
3. Overlooking Glare and Reflection
While mirror splashbacks bounce light beautifully, they can also reflect mess, clutter, or direct sunlight, depending on your kitchen’s position. In some cases, this can cause annoying glare or visual noise. If you love the mirror look but want something softer, consider a bronze or grey tint instead of classic silver.
4. Picking a Colour Without Samples
Painted glass offers unlimited colour options, but colours can look different under LED lights or against your benchtop. Always view real samples in your kitchen, at different times of day, before you commit. A colour that looks warm and creamy online could look yellow under downlights.
5. Assuming All Glass Is Equal
Not all glass splashbacks are created with the same standards. Always double-check that the product is toughened, heat-resistant, and cut to Australian safety standards. If you’re installing behind a cooktop, this step is crucial.
Final Thoughts: Which Splashback Is Right for You?
To help you decide, here’s a simple cheat sheet:
Choose Mirror If:
- Your kitchen is small, dark, or narrow.
- You love a minimalist or luxe-industrial look.
- You’re happy to clean glass regularly to maintain the shine.
- You want to bounce light around the room.
Choose Painted Glass If:
- You want more colour control or to match your kitchen finishes.
- You’re a busy household and prefer low-maintenance surfaces.
- You want something subtle, bold, or totally custom.
- You like the idea of matching cabinetry, benchtops, or wall colours.
Both options are stylish, safe, and durable. It really comes down to what works best for your space and your daily lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a glass splashback over existing tiles?
Yes, in most cases you can install a mirror or painted glass splashback directly over tiles**, provided the wall is clean, dry, and structurally sound. A professional installer will first check that the tiled surface is level. If needed, adhesive pads or backing materials are used to ensure a flat, seamless installation.
What is the lead time for a custom glass splashback?
Most custom glass splashbacks take 2 to 3 weeks from final measure to installation. This includes time for toughened glass manufacturing, colour application (for painted options), and precise cutting. Lead times may vary based on supplier capacity and holiday periods, so it’s best to confirm when booking.
Are mirrored splashbacks safe behind gas cooktops?
Yes, but only when made from toughened safety glass. Standard mirror is not heat-resistant and should never be used behind a cooktop. Toughened mirror splashbacks are specially treated to handle high temperatures and meet Australian safety standards for kitchen use.
Does painted glass fade or discolour over time?
Not if it’s properly manufactured. Painted glass splashbacks use UV-stable, heat-resistant paints that are bonded to the back of the glass. When installed correctly indoors, the colour should stay vibrant for many years without fading or yellowing.
Planning a New Kitchen in 2026? Book Now for a January Start
Most homeowners start their renovations in the first few months of the year, so if you want to beat the post-holiday rush, December is the perfect time to finalize your splashback choice.
We offer:
- In-home design consultations
- Colour and material samples to see in your space
- Custom quotes and fast turnaround times
Whether you’re ready to order or still weighing up your options, we’re here to help. Don’t leave it too late. Suppliers book out quickly after Christmas, and lead times can stretch into March.
Lock in your splashback today. Get in touch with our design team to secure your spot for the January installation.
