Since severe impact or high heat can break untreated glass into dangerous, jagged shards, glass splashbacks for kitchens are made from toughened glass.

Also known as “tempering,” toughening is the term for a process of intense glass heating and rapid cooling. At the end of this process, the centre of the glass remains in tension while the outer surfaces go into compression.

As a result, toughened glass is four to five times stronger and safer than untreated glass. Even if it becomes stressed to the point of breakage, it shatters into thousands of small, harmless pieces.

While safety is a major benefit, the toughening process creates a challenge for designers and builders looking to install glass splashbacks in kitchens: the glass must be cut BEFORE it gets toughened.

There is no modifying, shortening or re-purposing toughened glass. What you order is what you get and replacement orders can cause havoc to the budget and building schedule in Melbourne homes.

This puts a premium on preparation.

To achieve the clean, modern kitchen splashback look with glass, you’ll need definitive design and installation choices.

In this article, we’ll analyse the most important of these choices, so you’ll have a crystal-clear view of what’s needed for a successful kitchen glass splashback installation.

1.  Decide on the Right Splashback Choice

When deciding the best splashbacks for kitchens, consider the home’s overall style.

Bespoke glass splashbacks for kitchens accent contemporary or modern-style homes for the following reasons:

• They reflect light to create bright, airy space;
• They are clean and seamless; and
• They invite an open floor plan into “closed areas” to make small spaces feel bigger.

They are also surprisingly versatile and can add style to country houses and traditional-style homes as well.

So, the choice comes down to details such as:

• How will the splashback work with the bench top material?
• Do you want a clean, streamlined splashback or something more traditional?
• The amount of maintenance: glass is much easier to clean compared to tile grout.
• Cost: Tile is generally more economical, but it is more likely to break or crack over time.

A kitchen with a glass splashback is a great choice.

It’s a low-maintenance option that works with almost any benchtop material to create a bright, eye-catching design feature.

2.  Finalise the Kitchen Plan

Glass splashbacks for kitchens should be measured and fabricated after the entire kitchen plan is finalised.

This includes the placements for the following kitchen components:

• Cabinetry;
• Oven hob;
• Vent hood;
• Above counter sockets;
• Above counter switches; and
• LED and other backlighting.

These components need to be finalised because the glass cannot be altered once it’s ordered.

So, if you order the glass and then decide to move a wall socket 20 centimetres to the right, the access point will not line up properly with the socket.

You should also decide how much space the kitchen splashback will cover before ordering the glass.

Some of the best kitchen splashbacks cover all the space between the countertops and the cabinetry.

In the image below, for instance, the glass covers the area behind the hob, the countertop areas, and the open wall sections above the vent hood.

Yet there are many other options. In the image below, for example, the splashback acts as an accent as it rises only a few centimetres above the counter. Lastly, the space between the oven hob and the glass splashback needs careful consideration.

The Australia/New Zealand Standard 2208:1996 specifies safety glazing material requirements in buildings. It includes the necessary distance between the splashback and the oven hob as well as the requirement for toughened glass.

Homebuilding Tip: Splashbacks for hot water (e.g. behind the sink) or appliance areas (e.g. behind the oven hob) need to be accompanied by a letter from an architect, designer, glass supplier or glass manufacturer that says the splashback is fit for its designed purpose.

3.  Consider the Glass Splashback Finish and Texture

What finish will look best in the kitchen?

There are 3 main choices:

• Matted: The glass has an extremely low reflective quality.
• Glossy: The glass has an extremely high reflective quality.
• Frosted: The glass blurs images while still transmitting light.

Obviously, this design choice should be analysed closely before the order is put in. In addition, there are several textures to consider, such as pearled, liquid, and even brick. They can create unique elements of depth, movement, and glowing colour changes.

4.  Determine If You Want A Printed Glass Splashback

The ability to create a vivid, dramatic accent to a chosen paint colour is a benefit of a glass splashback in the kitchen. Future blog posts will cover paint choice tips and advice in detail.

Beyond paint, a printed glass splashback is an exciting new trend in Victoria’s home market.

Thanks to advanced printing and glass technology, high-quality images of sunsets, cityscapes, flowers, family or anything else a designer can dream up can be printed behind the glass.

While this choice can add unique detail to any kitchen, the image selection needs to be part of the glass order. That way, the glass company can make the proper measurements for both the glass and the image.

5. Choose an Affixing Strategy

There are 2 main ways to affix your glass splashback to the kitchen walls.

• Adhesive creates a seamless, contemporary look.
• Screws create a more industrial, modern look.

Please note: If the design calls for screws, the hole locations need to be plotted and finalised before ordering the glass.

Ordering Your Bespoke Glass Splashbacks for Kitchens

While there are many decisions to make before ordering the glass splashback for a kitchen, Ecotech is here to help you every step of the way.

We’ll use highly-specialized laser measuring equipment to ensure a proper fit. Our experts will ensure the glass kitchen splashbacks are cut to the exact size.

You can expect to receive the glass for your kitchen in 3 to 4 weeks from the time you place your order. This estimate is one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. We can accomplish this because we keep large stocks of glass in-house and our factory has all the equipment required for complex jobs.

We have also formed high-level relationships with the top glass suppliers in Melbourne to ensure we always deliver our products on time and to a high standard.

Like splashbacks made of natural stone, glass splashbacks require an additional level of kitchen design planning.

That’s because the glass needs to be cut to size before it’s toughened. Once this is done, the entire piece cannot be cut or processed in any way.

This puts a premium on formulating and finalising the kitchen design plan before any measurements are taken. It also puts a premium on the measurements themselves.

Below, we analyse the main risks and rewards of a cut to size glass splashback in West Melbourne. By doing so, we hope to show you how professional measurements and installation helps create a successful splashback project.

Risks

When considering a glass splashback project, the biggest fear is an ill-fitting piece of glass that needs to be sent back to the glazier.

This can result in major delays and added costs. From our experience, here are the main reasons this situation comes about.

1. Inaccurate Measurements

Measuring the surface area for a glass splashback can get complex in a hurry.

There’s the state of the wall space to consider. Is it straight?

Then there’s the shape of the opening. Are there arches to account for? How far does the range hood drop down? Are the cabinets a uniform distance from the worktop or do some hang down further than others?

Are there cut-outs for switches and/or power outlets? How about the pot-filling faucet over the oven hob?

In addition to these initial questions, changes to the kitchen plan layout require careful consideration.

After all, moving the location of a single power outlet opening will require a new measurement.

If you order the glass and then decide to move a wall socket 20 centimetres to the right, the access point will not line up properly with the socket.

2.  Edge Tolerance

During the measuring process, it’s industry standard to include a 2mm tolerance between the edge of the kitchen element and the glass.

These dimensions are perfect as they allow room for the sanitary grade silicone to penetrate and seal the join, while not being noticeable to the naked eye.

In addition, this space acts as an allowance for the glass to move slightly if the house moves or settles.

3.  Join Lines and Intersecting Panels

If the cabinets and worktop continue onto adjoining walls, continuing the glass splashback creates a continuous, seamless look.

However, this also creates intersections where one glass panel meets the other.

These situations create micro measurements that can be difficult to calculate accurately by do-it-yourselfers.

An alternative option is to attach the glass to the walls with screws. This choice moves away from the seamless contemporary style toward a more industrial, modern look.

It also involves an extra layer of planning because the screw holes need to be drilled before the glass get’s toughened.

Rewards

Getting all these measurements correct is a tough job, but the effort is worth it! Here are the benefits of a perfectly-measured cut to size glass splashback.

1. A Unique Bespoke Kitchen Feature

Glass splashbacks enable kitchen designers to make a creative and stylish focal point in the space.

If the wall space lacks natural light, mirror splashbacks can:

• Reflect natural light from nearby openings;
• Invite other areas of an open floor plan into the kitchen; and
• Increase the kitchen’s “daylighting” effect.

If the kitchen has a neutral or white palette, painted glass splashbacks make a stunning feature. For example, you can:

• Create a modern, eye-popping contrast by installing a black glass splashback cut to size;
• Amplify the stainless steel accents of appliances and fixtures by using metallic paints behind the glass; or
• Blend with nearby wall colours to maintain a clean, neutral theme.

Design Tip: There’s no need to worry about the selected colour changing because of the glass. Quality glaziers use low-iron glass, which improves transparency 4-5% over regular glass.

If the designer or homeowner desires a strong personal statement in the kitchen, a printed glass splashback offers the ability to:

• Display favourite cityscapes, landscapes, or family photos;
• Incorporate a favourite pattern in the splashback wall space; and
• Preserve favourite images of nature, destinations, or even people.

2.  A Seamless Look Free of Grout Lines

Glass panels can be cut from sheets as large as 3.8 metres.

This means most wall spaces can be covered by just one or two panels.

When two panels intersect, a sanitary grade silicone sealant gets applied to fill the gap.

Unlike tile grout, this sealant is easy to clean. It’s also mould and mildew resistant. Plus, it’s colourlessness making it hard to notice.

3.  A Safe, Durable Splashback

No matter the style choice, a professionally cut to size glass splashback offers:

• Easy cleaning;
• Wall protection; and
• Resistance to chips and cracks (it’s up to 5 times stronger than regular annealed glass).

The toughening process creates a sheet of glass that can withstand extreme heat (up to 250 degrees C) and impact.

In addition, any destruction that may occur as a result of an earthquake or other natural disaster won’t result in dangerous jagged shards of splashback glass. Instead, toughened glass breaks into small pieces.

Economy Glass Approach: Cut to Size Glass Splashbacks

Most openings provided by even the best builders and cabinet makers have a degree of tolerance during construction.

Ensuring the glass follows these external walls as closely as possible hides any imperfections and ensures that you are able to secure a perfect fit for the homeowner.

At Economy Glass, our technicians constantly train with the cutting edge of laser measuring technology.

This enables us to offer glass splashbacks cut to size in an almost unlimited range of shapes and finishes. In addition, our 700m2 warehouse includes all the processing equipment necessary for complex jobs.

Combine these facts with the use of high quality glass, premium paints and some of the fastest turnaround times in Hoppers Crossing and West Melbourne, and it becomes clear that Economy Glass is a top choice for any glass splashback project.

Whether it’s for a new home or a remodel in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs, kitchen design projects should take market value into account.

One of the most impactful design choices, according to a recent Zillow study, is kitchen colour.

This study, which analysed colour schemes of nearly 50,000 homes over a 10-year period, found homes with neutral paint selections tended to sell above the asking price. Homes with bolder choices more often sold below asking price.

Another factor that affects a home’s market value is kitchen craftsmanship. Trulia says kitchens and bathrooms are the two interior spaces where the most value can be added during a sale.

So, it makes sense that a well-crafted and well-appointed kitchen will help a home create more value than a home with a sloppy, poorly-appointed kitchen.

Both factors converge in a glass splashback project.

With the right colour selections and quality craftsmanship, you can create a stunning interior focal point that will help the home sell. If those factors aren’t addressed, however, you may have to remove the glass splashback, which can lead to higher costs and long delays.

Below, we detail 4 crucial decision points in every splashback project that will help the feature withstand the test of time so that it can be an asset when it comes time to sell the home.

1. Use Low-Iron Glass

In regular glass (also called “clear” glass), the iron content creates a greenish tint, which is especially prevalent around the edges.

Ultimately, using regular glass leads to big problems. The selected paint colour will look much different behind the glass than it does anywhere else.

Yet there’s no way to know the level of colour distortion until the splashback gets fixed to the wall. By then, it’s too late!This creates a major issue for kitchen designers, who select the paint colour to work together with other kitchen elements to achieve his/her desired look.

If regular glass distorts the paint colour too much, the designer may want the entire glass splashback removed. Premium manufacturers, like Economy Glass, always use low-iron glass for higher quality and more accurate colouring.

Features of low-iron glass include better:

• Transparency;
• Light transmission;
• Brightness; and
• Colour restitution.

In fact, low-iron glass improves transparency by 4-5% over the regular glass.

This means the selected colour will show through the glass with the utmost clarity, reducing the risk of a dissatisfied client and the need to remove the glass splashback.

2. Cut the Glass with the Proper Tolerances

It’s industry standard to include a 2mm tolerance between the edge of the kitchen element and the glass.

These dimensions are perfect as they allow room for the sanitary grade silicone to penetrate and seal the join, while not being noticeable to the naked eye.

In addition, this space acts as an allowance for the glass to move slightly if the house moves or settles. This presents a craftsmanship challenge for the glass manufacturer.

If they measure and cut the glass with tolerances that are too small, the glass may shift and affect the spaces around power outlets, the worktop and the cabinets. If they measure and cut the glass with tolerances that are too wide, the seamless quality of the glass could be altered by visible sealant lines.

At Economy Glass, our technicians constantly train with the cutting edge of laser measuring technology. This enables us to offer glass splashbacks cut to size in an almost unlimited range of shapes and finishes. It also means that we measure tolerances with the utmost accuracy and cut the glass to precisely follow those measurements.

3. Choose Colours with Care

One of the many benefits of a glass splashback is the fact that the glass protects paint from fading. Combined with the use of low-iron glass, this means your initial colour selection will stay true and vibrant for many years.

It also means the initial colour choice is vital for the long-term success of the feature. If the selected colour helps promote a timeless style to the space, it will be a market value asset.

If it doesn’t, you may have to removing glass splashback to paint the wall a different colour.

What types of colours promote timeless style?

It’s no secret that neutral tones appeal to more homebuyers than bolder choices. By pairing the splashback colour with the selected neutral tones of the surrounding walls, you can create a clean look that will appeal to many home buyers.

Yet this is not a uniform rule by any means. For instance, research shows homes with all-white kitchen palettes sell below expectations.

Pairing a white colour palette with a painted glass splashback, however, accentuates all the cleanliness and freshness of a white kitchen, while adding a stand-out compliment of colour and depth.

4. Select Digital Prints with Staying Power

Building on the point above, printed glass splashbacks give designers and remodelling homeowners the opportunity to put their personal statements on kitchen space.

They can display their favourite pattern, family photo, landscape or cityscape in a unique, eye-catching way.

For resale purposes, however, their personal statement may not appeal to wider audiences. If the selected image is too personalised, you may have to removing glass splashback and the print to find another solution.

Conclusion: Removing a Glass Splashback Should Be a Last Resort

There’s no limit to the amount of personalisation you can pour into a home. Thanks to their safety features, durability and light-reflecting qualities, glass splashbacks offer designers an almost limitless spectrum of colours and decor choices.

Yet in this ultra-competitive atmosphere of Melbourne’s housing market, homebuyers only reward the best design choices and the best quality craftsmanship. That’s why it’s important to consider these tips when designing your glass splashback project.

With the right colour choices and installation techniques, the splashback will present the “wow factor” that will help the home sell fast for a premium price.

Glass splashbacks are versatile. They can used in many ways throughout the home, always creating an interesting and elegant design feature.

For example, they can be used in the kitchen for the wall panelling around the kitchen bench and the oven hob. They can also be used in the kicker panels, which are the low panels on the bottom of your kitchen.

Glass is great for the kitchen because if it becomes splattered with food or drink, it can easily be wiped down.

Glass splashbacks can also be used in the bathroom. Splashback ideas you can also use for your bathroom renovations. 

For example, there are shower liner glass splashbacks that are installed in the same method as tiles. First, the board goes in and becomes waterproofed and then the glass shower liner is glued to the wall and sealed in place. It is also possible to use splashbacks behind the bathroom vanity, and even the mirror.

Glass splashbacks are not only used in the kitchen or in the bathroom. They can be creatively applied in a range of other settings throughout the house, including in the interior walls, ceilings, joinery coverings, wall panelling in the entranceways and furniture. They are visually stunning in all other areas of the house.

A glass splashback will give your home in the western suburbs of Melbourne a very modern look.

Let’s take a look at several different ways you can use glass splashbacks in your home to inspire your next remodelling project.

Glass Splashback Ideas for Your Home

1. Glass Splashback with Blue LED Lighting

The first glass splashback idea. This beautiful splashback looks achieve with blue LED lights, which will give your kitchen a gorgeous glow. This type of lighting is visually appealing and is great for setting a captivating mood. You can choose LED lights of any colour or even find ones that can change hue.

2. Blue Kitchen Interior

This stunning kitchen interior has a striking shade of blue with glass overlaid on top. Not only is it attractive, but it is also very practical because the glass backsplash will be easy to spray and wipe clean of any mess.

3. Glass Kicker Panels

These bright red panels add a lot of visual “pop” to the kitchen and make it look bright and modern. They are a great contrast to the sleek white countertops and chairs and the brilliant sheen of the wooden floor. It is also practical as it would be easy to wipe off any shoe or scuff marks.

4. Spa-Like Bathroom

This gorgeous bathroom involves a lot of glass, such as the glass splashback around and above the tub. This gives it a modern finish that works very well with colours. The cool, muted green tone gives a very relaxing atmosphere to the bathroom and with the white fixtures, it has a subtle, relaxing and spa-like feel.

5. Bathroom Mirror Splashback

There are a lot of gorgeous design elements going on in this modern bathroom. The sculptural vanity adds visual interest while the large bathroom mirror backsplash makes the space feel bigger. This is also a clever way to brighten what could be a dark room with no natural light.

6. A Stylish, Minimalist Kitchen

This sleek and modern kitchen has a glass backsplash that is incredibly practical yet also stylish. It complements the clean and neutral appearance of the counters and cabinets and it creates a light sheen.

7. Another Sleek, Simple Kitchen

Here is another modern kitchen look that is neutral and relaxing. The combination of black appliances, white joinery and a glossy beige glass splashback sure works well.

8. Apartment Kitchen

Take a look at the shining surfaces and minimalist modern design of this beautiful kitchen. The bold metallic look of the kitchen faucet brings together the textures of the stone countertops and the clean and sleek glass backsplash.

9. Smoked Mirror Splashbacks

In this subtle, sleek and elegant kitchen, the smoked mirror surface of the splashback looks dramatic and stylish. It reflects the kitchen, adding depth and visual interest, yet in a more muted way. It also complements the grey tones in the chairs.

10. Metallic Finish Glass Splashback

This bold, bright and blue splashback is a great contrast to the sleek white cabinets in this very modern-looking kitchen. Sometimes all you need a little bit of colour somewhere unexpected to really make your interior decor pop!

These are just a few great examples of stunning interior designs using glass splashbacks in and around the surrounding areas of Hoppers Crossing. Take a look through and see if there is anything that appeals to your tastes. Or, you might like a few elements of several different splashbacks and decide to combine them in your own home. This is the great thing about glass splashbacks – they can use anywhere.

Whatever you do, make sure your design is unique to you and that you are in love with every element of it. After all, it is your home, and you will have to live in it. You should absolutely adore every inch of it!

Why Glass Splashbacks Used?

What are the advantages of using glass splashbacks in your home?

• Cleaning glass is incredibly easy. You don’t have to spend hours scrubbing – just a few wipes and the surface looks as good as new. 
• Other materials such as granite or wood attract mould, but with glass, you don’t have to deal with this.
• Glass can come in a wide range of colours so you can always choose something that will suit the decor of your kitchen. You can even use many different panels to create a stylish pattern with your backsplash.
• So, You can also choose the transparency and the finish of the glass, whether you would like it frosted, clear, tinted, etc.
• It is even possible to place a photo behind the splashback, which will create a striking graphic look to your kitchen or bathroom.
• You could include a favourite quote on your splashback to add a little bit of character and personality to your kitchen.
• Glass is heat resistant. You can cook without worrying that the exposure to heat will warp the glass or change the colours.
• Glass is beautiful and luxurious, and it has a very elegant and timeless look.
• If your kitchen or bathroom is dark during the day, a glass backsplash can be a great way to reflect the natural light. You can also use glass as a window to allow light in through your splashback.
• Your splashback can made to measure so that it is perfect for your home.

For builders targeting affluent home buyers in and around West Melbourne, creating a distinctive modern outdoor kitchen space is increasingly becoming a “must.”

There are several reasons for this growing trend, including:

• Year-round good weather means homeowners have more opportunities to entertain outside.
• Melbournians are becoming more adventurous with the foods they cook on the barbecue.
• An overwhelming majority of Victorians own a gas-fired barbecue.

So figuring out how to make this appliance stand out gives home builders in the Hoppers Crossing and surrounding areas a market advantage.

As a result, builders are constantly looking for ways to elevate the design and usability of the barbecue area. One of the most popular ways to make your modern outdoor kitchen stand out is to install a BBQ glass splashback.

Why?

This feature enables builders and homeowners to showcase the best elements of the outdoor space while enjoying the durability and easy-to-clean elements of a glass splashback.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details to show how a BBQ glass splashback can make your modern outdoor kitchen complete.

Maximize Indoor/Outdoor Life

Creating a covered deck off the indoor kitchen with an outdoor kitchen area creates a natural and logical flow.

The benefits include:

• Protection from rain and wind.
• Quick transitions to and from dining areas.
• Maximum views of landscapes, outdoor play areas, and gardens.

Yet this design setup also brings major challenges for barbecue areas.

First and foremost: how do you barbecue under a roof?

The answer many builders have decided on includes building the barbecue into a deck wall and adding a range hood.

The creation of this wall space allows for a distinctive splashback design. And with a BBQ glass splashback, you’ll create a durable, safe, wall-protecting surface that is also artistic.

The tempered glass can easily withstand heat from the barbecue and if it does shatter for any reason, the shards will not be jagged and dangerous.

The proper sealants will ensure no warping due to moisture. Using sanitary grade sealants is a great way to combat this threat because they also secure hygienic food preparation areas.

On top of this, the sanitary sealants are also mildew and mold-resistant, preventing unsightly discoloration or even degradation over time.

And like indoor kitchen glass splashbacks, the BBQ version can be easily cleaned and wiped down with glass cleaner.

A Dynamic Natural Backdrop

The splashback wall of a covered deck offers a unique opportunity to show off the aesthetic of the home. By installing a tempered glass splashback behind the barbecue, you can amplify the natural light that streams into the space.

In the image below, for instance, the designer paired a black paint color with a glossy glass finish.

As a result, the sky and landscape are reflected by the glass. This creates a naturally distinctive backdrop that can change with the weather and time of day. It can also amplify the effect of the under-cabinetry back lights, which can help for night-time entertaining.

Installation Advice

Pairing a BBQ glass splashback with an indoor kitchen glass splashback has many installation benefits.

First off, the indoor kitchen will have a showcase feature, as well as the BBQ area.

Secondly, a quality glazier will be able to measure both projects in one visit, fabricate them at the same time and deliver them together.

At Economy Glass for example, our 700m2 factory has all the processing and installation equipment required for complex jobs.

Plus, we have large stocks of annealed, laminated and mirrored glass in house that ensures fast turnaround times.

Lastly, we have formed high-level relationships with the top glass suppliers in Melbourne to ensure we always deliver our products on time and to a high standard.

An Opportunity for Unique Outdoor Expression

Besides amplifying the natural beauty of the outdoors, a glass splashback in a modern outdoor kitchen enables you to express your artistic side. Metallic paint color can mesh with a stainless-steel barbecue, as well as any other appliance, to create a bold color palette that meshes well with raw material accents.

Looking for a feature to display even bolder choices?

A digital print glass splashback can turn your favorite image or pattern into an eye-catching modern outdoor kitchen element.

Conclusion: BBQ Glass Backsplashes Help Capitalise on the Outdoor Kitchen Trend

While outdoor cooking once meant a charcoal grill, a beer cooler, and a bit of sunshine, the current trend in the modern outdoor kitchen is moving toward more contemporary features.

This includes elements such as:

• Weather-resistant cabinets
• Built-in stainless steel refrigerators
• Sinks
• Ambient lighting

The idea is to create a modern outdoor kitchen space that can produce the same high level of cooking and entertainment options as an indoor kitchen. The centerpiece to all this, of course, is a high-quality built-in grill.

BBQ glass splashbacks help accentuate the high-quality nature of the feature. They can complement any designer’s vision, whether it’s a space that reflects the surrounding natural beauty or one that showcases personal style.

Plus, they’ll stand up to the high heat and excessive moisture that modern outdoor kitchen endure.

The Benefits of Professional Glass Splashback Measurements

Glass splashbacks require a lot of front-end planning because the glass cannot be cut once it’s been tempered. This means every corner and cut-out for outlets, switches, and appliances needs to be finalized and measured to the nearest millimeter.

Quality glaziers, like Economy Glass, use advanced laser technology to ensure exact measurements. They will also work with interior and exterior designers to ensure the desired colors, textures and finishes meet the highest standard.

So, contact Economy Glass if you’re interested in a glass splashback for the outdoor BBQ, indoor kitchen, bathrooms, home office, or bar areas.

There are 2 main trends to consider when designing a laundry room for your next home project in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.

Trend #1: The majority of Victorians spend more than 3 hours per week doing washing.

This means homeowners are spending a substantial amount of time per week in their laundry areas.

As a result, the laundry room is getting upgraded in many homeowners’ minds from an outpost in the garage to a cleaning and organisational centre inside the home.

Trend #2: Laundry rooms are becoming an opportunity for expressions of personal style.

For example, a recent Houzz article named rich colours, natural light and statement splashbacks as 3 of the top 8 laundry room trends to watch for.

By installing a glass laundry splashback, you can capitalise on both trends at once.

Let’s take a look at how a glass splashback in a laundry room adds value and style to the space.  

Brighten Dull Spaces

Dark spaces are not energy efficient or very exciting to spend time in.

If the laundry room in your luxury home could benefit from more exposure to natural light, a glass laundry splashback could be the solution.

By installing this glass feature behind the laundry sink and in the space between the worktop and the cabinets, you’ll accentuate any nearby natural light.

Selection tip: To maximise the amount of light reflection, explore mirror splashbacks. With the right application, this single design choice can optimise a home’s natural light, solve some of its troublesome design issues and exhibit it’s high-quality material.

This can help lower energy costs because the homeowner won’t have to turn on the overhead lights as much as they would otherwise.

Easy Cleaning, Durable Surfaces

More and more, the laundry room is becoming the epicentre for a home’s storage, mudroom and laundry operations.

With this increased activity comes an increased need for protection against dirt, splatter and grime.

This need is further emphasised if the laundry room includes a sink. After all, moisture and/or detergent splatter can severely damage unprotected walls.

Glass splashbacks are proven to be safe and easy to clean.

Thanks to their rigorous toughening process, they won’t crack or warp under stresses of high heat or moisture.

In addition, the mud, dust and other debris that typically accumulates in laundry room walls can be easily wiped away with glass cleaner.

Add a Pop of Colour, Texture and Personality

Up until recently, laundry room colour palettes basically had a choice of white or cream with the occasional steel or black.

Now, appliance manufacturers have added bold colours to their washer/dryer appliances, enabling the accents in the space to be bold as well.

Glass splashbacks are a creative way to add calm colour accents or bold colour statements to a laundry room.

There’s a wide range of colour choices; almost any colour from a premium paint company will work.

There are also several finishes to choose from, including:

• Standard: A solid colour that matches your room design.
• Pearl: A pearly shimmer is added into the paint for enhanced effect.
• Metallic: Vibrant colours with an added metallic sheen.
• Sparkles: Glimmering sparkles accent the colours used in the paint.

You can be confident the colour you select in the store will be the one to shine through the glass because quality glass manufacturers use low-iron glass for splashbacks.

This ensures the highest quality and the most accurate colouring possible.

If you’re looking to add even more personality to a laundry room, explore adding a printed glass splashback.
These features involve setting a high-quality digital image behind the glass.

A wealth of high-quality images can be found on popular stock sites such as Shutterstock or iStock. Alternatively, you can choose a favourite photo from a holiday or family outing.

Homeowners throughout Hoppers Crossing and the surrounding areas are catching on to this new trend to give their homes a modern, fashionable look. And the possibilities are truly endless.

Conclusion: Glass Laundry Splashbacks Improve Hygiene, Style and the Effects of Natural Light

More and more, homebuyers are looking for dedicated laundry rooms.

To accommodate, architects and designers are creating more detailed laundry room spaces in their house plans.

This enables homeowners to create comfortable and functional spaces for the whole family to enjoy.

They are more than just utility spaces; they are rapidly becoming the Victorian family’s organisational hub.

By making this space unique, easy to clean and memorable, you’ll help your home stand out in the crowded Melbourne housing market.

Glass laundry splashbacks are a great way to make laundry rooms fashionable and hygienic.

In addition, their ability to accentuate natural light can help brighten the space and show your focus on energy efficiency.

Why Choose Economy Glass?

Thanks to high-quality glazing, fabrication, and installation techniques, we can make these glass features fit any space.

Our glaziers have world-working experience, having worked in a number of different countries completing or managing glass and glazing works. We have a broad knowledge of different glazing techniques, products on the market and overcoming challenging and complex installations.

In terms of fabrication, we have invested in researching and using the latest technology within our industry. We use complex automated scheduling software, automated design and drawing software and highly accurate laser measuring equipment.

And in terms of installation, we have large stocks of annealed, laminated and mirrored glass in house that ensures fast turnaround times.

The faux finish trend is red hot in Melbourne.

In fact, here’s what Elle Decor Magazine said when it included faux finishes as one of the 10 Home Trends that Will Shape Your House in 2017:

“Homeowners and designers are turning to faux materials for a budget-friendly and sometimes more reliable alternative to authentic materials.”

Budget-friendly and reliable are two perfect descriptors for the metallic glass splashback.

Without having to find, purchase, shape and maintain a sheet of metal (imagine the polishing!), you can achieve the same contemporary look with a painted metallic glass splashback feature.

In this article, we’ll analyse this design decision to show why and how metallic paints and glass splashbacks work so well together.

1. Spotlight Your Metal Accents

Metal accents are key to achieving stylish contemporary design.

These accents can take the form of major elements, such as worktops and appliances.

They can also take the form of smaller elements, such as:

• Light fixtures
• Cabinet hardware
• Furniture pieces
• Exposed shelving
• Artwork

A metallic glass splashback can tie all these accent options together and amplify their effects.

In the image below, for example, the metallic silver glass splashback ties both the oven vent and the cabinet handles together.

This is an especially important point since stainless steel appliances are such a staple of a top-quality kitchen.

For instance, in a recent survey of kitchen designers and homeowners, a whopping 75% of the respondents said they were using stainless steel appliances when updating their kitchen.

This is a continuation of a long-running trend. It proves that a neutral kitchen colour palette, accented by stainless steel metal features, is a design choice that heightens style and resale value.

2.  Create a New Dimension for Light

A kitchen with a white colour palette is a contemporary design staple.

The challenge for a designer or home builder, however, is: “How do I make a white kitchen stand out?”

A sparkle glass splashback can be the perfect solution. This metallic effect enables light to shimmer off the splashback in completely unique ways. As a result, a generic white kitchen can become a memorable, distinctive feature of the home.

3.  Pair with Textured Glass

Beyond the pearled and sparkled effects, there are several glass manufacturing techniques that can make a metallic glass splashback appear hand-crafted.

This creates an eye-catching focal point for the kitchen or bathroom that reflects light from windows, doors and even backlighting in distinctive ways.

The textures are created during the manufacturing process. They can be lines, waves, geometric shapes or natural random patterns.

Metallic paint enhances these patterns and creates the appearance of customized precious metal. The result is a stunning statement piece, perfect for modern interiors.

4.  Electrify Neutral Colours

Even if the palette isn’t dominated by white, contemporary kitchens make strong use of neutral colours such as brown, taupe and cream.

As it happens, the range of metallic glass splashback colours complements this palette exceptionally well by adding touches of luxury and glimmering metal to the splashback wall.

Economy Glass uses premium Dulux paints. The colours included Dulux’s pre-mixed, ready-to-apply Metallic Effects paint range include:

• Neutral Intrigue
• Thebe Touch
• Pewter Illusion
• Metro Mars
• Moving Image
• Stellar Glow
• Silken Chocolate
• Tempered Bronze
• Chocolate Glimmer
• Pluto Pulse
• Silver Spoon
• Metal Icon
• Steel Shimmer
• Prestige Shine

By adding some texture to the paint application, you can create a splashback that acts as a kitchen centrepiece that is full of light, metallic colour and depth.

5.  Add a Metallic Sheen to Any Colour

A metallic effect can be added to any splashback paint colour using a 2-step process.

First, the metallic finish gets applied to the glass.

Secondly, the selected colour is painted on top of the finish to achieve the desired effect.

Many clients use this process to add a metallic sheen to a bright pop of colour behind the oven hob or above the worktop.

Summary: Metallic Colours Combine with Glass Splashbacks for a Striking Combination

With their richness, brightness, strength and solidity, metallic accents sharpen a home’s contemporary design.

Metal is also a great choice for a splashback material, since it’s durable and stunning.

Yet there are several drawbacks to a metal splashback. They require polishing and maintenance. They’re difficult to find and shape. Most importantly: they’re often cost prohibitive.

The faux finish of a metallic glass splashback, however, gives you all of the benefits with none of the drawbacks.

They’re durable and represent a lavish element of contemporary design.

At the same time, they’re easy to clean. They can also be measured down to the nearest millimetre.

And best of all: they can replicate the stunning effect of valuable metals without incurring the high cost.

The Economy Glass Advantage

Too often, designers will select a paint colour in the studio or at the work site, only to find the final version looks different than what they had envisioned.

Economy Glass is committed to avoiding this building and design headache.

By using the highest quality glass, we ensure the selected colour shines through every time.

In addition, our team of experts uses the latest laser measuring technologies to ensure the toughened glass fits every project perfectly.

Most openings provided by even the best builders and cabinet makers have a degree of tolerance during construction.

Yet thanks to our advanced, tried-and-tested measuring techniques, we can ensure our glass is always measured to the millimetre and installed to perfection.

Ensuring the glass follows these external walls hides any imperfections. This also enables you to offer splashbacks in an almost unlimited range of custom sizes shapes and finishes.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “frosted glass”?

Many people think of privacy glass used in modern homes and offices.

Others think of artistic frosted patterns on glass walls, windows and doors that leave parts transparent and other parts fully opaque.

However, there’s a different kind of “frosting” process that makes the glass opaque, smooth to touch, smudge-resistant and durable.

It’s called acid etched frosted glass.

While not as widely recognised by the general public, acid etching offers many advantages over other treatments.

So in the following post, we’ll explain this useful glass treatment technique and how it can be used to create stunning frosted glass splashbacks for the kitchen, bathroom and even the wet bar.

We’ll also show how these “frosted” glass features can add value to a home’s interior.

1. What Is Acid Etching?

Treating regular glass with hydrofluoric acid creates a uniform opacity while maintaining a smooth texture.

One side of the glass is treated and the depth of the etching can be set to create a gradient of light, medium or heavy opacity.

The treatment does not fade or degrade, even after vigorous washing. In addition, moisture, natural oils and/or humidity will not affect it over time.

Once this type of frosting process finishes, the glass can still be cut and toughened.

The end result: a durable, unique glass product that amplifies up to 95% of natural light without increasing glare.

2. What Are The Other Types Of Glass Frosting Treatments?

Here are some other popular types of frosted glass:

Sandblasting involves spraying glass with sand or other abrasive particles using a high-powered “blasting” machine. This technique is most often used to “frost” sections of glass, such as creating privacy strips or patterns.

Carved Glass is an art form. The artist uses precision carving techniques to dig into the glass and create complex patterns and/or representations.

Glass film also creates complex designs. In this treatment, the frosted “film” adheres to the back of the glass to create a frosted pattern.

In addition to these 3 treatments, many do-it-yourselfers use spray paints to give regular glass a frosted look.

3. What Are The Benefits Of An Acid Etched Frosted Glass Splashback?

As mentioned above, acid etched frosted glass is smudge-resistant and fingerprint-resistant thanks to its unique fabrication process.

When those qualities are combined with the toughening process for a glass splashback, the glass becomes safe, easy to clean and extremely durable.

In addition, the backside of the glass can still be painted to match your desired matte finish colour scheme.

The image below displays Economy Glass’s frosted glass paint colours. They include:

• Raspberry frost
• White
• Iced Latte
• Alpine Frost
• Bailey’s on Ice
• Grey Haze

4. How Do Frosted Glass Splashbacks Help Interiors Stand Out?

Here are some of the best ways to incorporate this feature.

In a Kitchen

Frosted glass splashbacks for kitchens provide unique colour and design characteristics. They are a stylish accent for the areas behind the oven hob, above the worktop and on the island kicker panel.

In addition, these matte finish glass splashbacks can reflect natural light without creating unwanted glare.

Best of all, the fingerprints, smudges, oil splatter and shoe scuffs that typically collect in splashback areas wipe away easily without any effect on the finish.

Kitchen Splashback Installation Tip

One of the biggest kitchen hygiene dangers lies with the sealant. It is often placed in openings and recesses, both of which are havens for bacteria.

Using sanitary grade sealants is a great way to combat this, securing hygienic food preparation areas for the homeowner.

On top of this, the sealants we recommend are also mildew and mould-resistant, preventing unsightly discolouration or even degradation over time.

In A Bathroom

The bathroom still tops the list of living spaces where frosted glass is used by homeowners.

It also tops the list in terms of spaces where limescale soap scum and other minerals can do major damage.

A frosted glass splashback as wall cladding can enhance the natural light from a bathroom window while protecting the shower wall from moisture and mould.

By treating the surface with a unique Ecoshield coating, the glass becomes protected by a thin, unseen nanolayer.

This unobtrusive shield makes it easy to wipe away unsightly residue or grime.

In A Bar

Feature shelving, prized bottles and/or fixtures by installing a frosted glass splashback.

By working with your glazier, you can design your frosted glass splashback to incorporate mounted TVs, wall outlets and mounted shelves.

Remember: design is critical. The holes for fixtures, shelves, outlets and switches need to be planned in advance of the glass toughening process.

5. What Are Some Other Uses For Frosted Glass Splashback In A Home?

Designers often combine several frosted glass splashback elements in a space.

For instance, using frosted glass for the cabinet doors, splashback and island kicker creates a light, ethereal kitchen colour palette.

In a bathroom, frosted glass adds a beautiful accent to contemporary and/or modern decor. It also enables natural light to filter through the space while also ensuring privacy.

Some of the most popular frosted glass splashback elements in a bathroom (besides a splashback of course) include:

• Shower screens
• Doors
• Windows
• Partitions

Economy Glass Is Melbourne’s Frosted Glass Splashback Expert

Distinctive colour treatments are growing increasingly popular in homes, and that is leading to growing demand for back-painted glass products.

A frosted glass splashback may make your next building project stand out to home buyers.

So, contact Economy Glass if you are intrigued by this unique glass treatment.

No other supplier in Melbourne offers such a quality splashback with these finish and colour options.

Plus, our experts will:

• Listen to your design goals;
• Measure every edge to the nearest millimetre using the most advanced laser measuring technology;
• Fabricate a top-quality piece of glass that accurately matches your colour expectations;
• Deliver it on time; and
• Install it properly.

Learn How to Capitalise on the Growing Glass Trend In Homes

Glass bathroom shower screens and kitchen frosted glass splashback sought-after design features in Melbourne’s homes for many years.