Glass Splashback Tile Ideas – 11 Ways to Add a Touch of Sparkle
A splashback is the area behind a cooker or sink that’s usually tiled to protect the walls and prevent them from inevitable water splashes and stains.
Ceramic tiles, sheets of stone like quartz and granite and even stainless steel all make effective splashbacks but if you want to take your kitchen design up a level, you might want to consider a glass splashback.
Glass can be fitted as large sheets or smaller tiles, it’s available in a range of colours and attractive finishes and it’s one of the most practical options for a bathroom or kitchen splashback.
If you’re ready to spruce up your home and add a sparkle to your splashbacks, keep reading to discover why glass is a good idea and uncover our pick of the most awe-inspiring glossy glass splashbacks.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Mermaid
Glass splashback tile ideas
From antique mirror glass to iridescent, multicoloured mermaid tiles, revamp your walls with our pick of the most elegant glass splashback tile ideas:
Glass mirror tiles
One of the most elegant ways to finish your kitchen or bathroom design is by adding glass mirror tiles. The most light-reflective and space-enhancing of all tile types, mirror glass tiles work well in all sizes of rooms.
Although you do need to keep on top of cleaning glass tiles, you’ll be rewarded with a bright, sparkling surface that transforms your room. Glass tiles are surprisingly versatile and can work in all styles of kitchens and bathrooms.
Image credit: @amystormandco
Antique mirror glass splashback
Mirror glass tiles are available in a range of colours and finishes to suit your style. We love the softer look of antiqued glass and with its smoky appearance and distressed finish, antique mirror tiles work well in vintage-style designs.
Image credit: @blondebutterflyhome
Brick glass tile backsplash
Versatile metro tiles are the most popular tile design so it’s not surprising that there’s a large range of glass tiles in this style. Coloured glass tiles are usually semi-opaque which means you’ll be able to see the adhesive behind the tiles so it’s best to get glass tiles fitted by a pro.
Glass tiles will reflect light like no other. Keep them clean with a soft cloth and they will sparkle and shine for years to come.
White glass tiles
Use glossy white glass brick tiles for a different take on the classic subway tile splashback. Timeless and elegant, white tiles will go with all styles of kitchen and bathroom and they’re perfect for creating a bright, clean aesthetic.
One of the main advantages of white tiles is that they’ll go with everything and you’ll be unlikely to go off them. As glass tiles are more expensive than ceramics, going for a plainer tile can be a good option if you love the look of glass but are unsure what style to go for.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Poolside White
Marbled glass tiles
Add an air of elegance to your kitchen or bathroom with multicoloured marbled glass tiles. These distinctive tiles are a sure way to create a statement splashback and will work well with modern designs.
Patterned tiles are perfect for adding character and interest to rooms. They are also more forgiving in terms of cleaning than sheer white or mirrored glass tiles, making them a great option for the area behind an oven.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Casablanca Blu Brick
Mosaic glass splashback
Mosaic designs are one of the most ancient art forms and although the way that mosaics are used to decorate our homes has changed, their popularity hasn’t.
Mosaics aren’t just for bathrooms and these miniature tiles can completely transform splashback areas in kitchens too. Glass mosaic tiles make the most impact when used over smaller areas so a splashback zone is a natural choice. You can opt for miniature square or round tiles in a range of striking colours and finishes.
Image credit: @vidrepur
Recommended Tile: Ocean Atlantic Green
Metallic glass tiles
Often infused with real gold or copper leaf, metallic glass tiles are one of the most luxurious tile types. Use metal-infused glass tiles to add glamour and impact to a kitchen, bathroom or indoor bar area.
Tiles in warmer metallic shades of gold and copper will look beautiful in neutral and darker colour schemes.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Honeycomb Copper Mosaic
Glass penny tiles
Penny tiles have been in style since the early 1900s. Practical, stylish and perfect for pepping up kitchens and bathrooms alike, these quirky tiles are still very much sought-after.
The popularity of penny tiles means that they are available in a wide range of materials including ceramic, shell, metal and of course glass. Brighten up a splashback area by choosing a wall of iridescent glass penny tiles, they’ll work brilliantly with many other types of tile and add much-needed interest wherever they are placed.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Brightly coloured glass tiles
When it comes to choosing tiles for your home, glass tiles aren’t the cheapest option so reserving them for a splashback or feature wall is a great option if you’re on a budget. If you want your glass tiles to make a big impact, try choosing a bright, standout colour.
Bright colours work well alongside neutral colours in a bathroom and if you’re choosing them for a kitchen, they’ll work well with most colours of kitchen cabinets.
Recommended Tile: Carnival Pink
Iridescent glass splashback tiles
Add a magical touch to a splashback area with colour-changing, iridescent glass tiles. These tiles are infused with a metallic layer which changes colour with the light, creating a mesmerising rainbow-coloured effect.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Voyage Fossil Grey Brick
Fish scale splashback tiles
Take the impact of iridescent tiles up a notch by choosing tiles with a decorative shape. Fish scale or fan-shaped tiles are an inspired choice for a splashback or feature wall area.
Shimmering glass tiles can add an unexpected touch of glitz and glamour to your home and work brilliantly with all types of decor. Create an interesting juxtaposition by placing multicoloured glass tiles next to natural stone or plain ceramic tiles.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Mermaid
Is a glass splashback a good idea?
With its light reflective qualities, a glass backsplash is a brilliant choice for smaller kitchens and those with little natural light. As well as making rooms seem bigger and brighter, glass is completely impenetrable, making it stain and mould-resistant.
Glass tiles are incredibly tough, but they will crack if exposed to enough force so they are best suited to walls. Glass can also scratch so will need to be cleaned with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaners.
Glass is arguably one of the most beautiful materials for tiles. You can opt for luxurious gold-leaf infused tiles, fit beautiful, light-changing iridescent tiles or choose tiles made from several different colours of glass.
There are many different styles of glass splashback tiles to choose from.
Image credit: @originalstyleuk
Recommended Tile: Ocean Arctic White
The advantages of glass splashbacks:
- Easy to clean – With a high sheen and zero absorbency rate, glass is the easiest to clean of all tile materials.
- Durable – Glass is resistant to staining, fading, mould and mildew, making it a practical choice in wet rooms of the home. Although glass is tough, it can chip and scratch so is best suited for walls.
- Aesthetically pleasing – Glass is almost unbeatable in terms of its sparkle and shine and is one of the best materials for adding a luxurious element to your abode.
- Wide range of styles – Glass tiles come in a surprisingly large range of sizes, colours and textures. From sophisticated mirrored designs to smooth sandblasted finishes, there is a glass tile for every style.
- Space enhancing – Glass is an excellent option if you want to brighten up your kitchen or bathroom area and it works brilliantly in small spaces.
- Eco-friendly – Many glass tiles are made from recycled glass and they take less energy to produce than ceramic tiles, making them a planet-friendly option for your home.
Glass tile tips
- Get samples – Ordering glass tile samples is an excellent way to see how the tiles will look in situ and how they will match the surrounding decor.
- Work with other materials and textures – The smoothness of glass will work effectively with other materials. Try combining glossy glass tiles with natural stone and ceramic tiles in different textures.
- Get creative – Glass tiles are the perfect choice for splashbacks, you can also use them to create borders and panels, for edging ceramic tiles and to clad feature walls and window sills.
- Have glass tiles fitted by a professional – Glass tiles are one of the most striking tile types but, because they’re not fully opaque, the adhesive can show through the tile if not applied properly. Unless you’re an expert, it’s best to have glass tiles fitted by a professional tiler.
Atlas Ceramics has a wide range of gorgeous glass tiles to enhance and brighten your kitchen and bathroom. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our friendly experts for advice.