White Kitchen Splashbacks

The appeal of a white kitchen splashback

White remains New Zealand’s most popular kitchen colour because it feels fresh, spacious and endlessly adaptable. A well-chosen splashback protects your walls while adding a design focal point that ties cabinetry, benchtops and appliances together. Whether you favour a minimalist white glass splashback kitchen or the texture of handmade tiles, this guide will help you shortlist the best splashback for a white kitchen.

Material options

1. Glass

Low-iron toughened glass delivers a seamless, high-gloss surface that bounces light around the room. Choose brilliant white for a barely-there look or opt for a back-painted tint—think pale grey or bold black—to create contrast in a white kitchen with black splashback.

• Easy to wipe clean—no grout lines.
• Heat-resistant when installed with fire-rated adhesive.
• Can be colour-matched to Resene or Dulux palettes.

2. Ceramic or porcelain tile

From subway to kit-kat mosaics, tiled splashbacks add texture and pattern. White splashback tiles suit every style, and darker grout can emphasise shape for industrial character.

3. Natural stone & engineered surfaces

Marble veining or quartz composites create a luxurious, continuous look—especially when the slab runs up from the benchtop. Sealing is essential to prevent staining behind cooktops.

4. Stainless steel & aluminium

For a professional vibe, stainless reflects the cabinetry yet stands up to serious cooking. Powder-coated aluminium sheets can be ordered in satin or gloss white for an affordable alternative.

Sizing & layout tips

• Standard height: 600 mm between benchtop and upper cabinetry fits most cooktops.
• Full height: Take the panel to the ceiling for dramatic verticality and fewer joins.
• Window splashbacks: Install glass in front of a window to maintain outdoor views while meeting hygiene codes.

Colour considerations

Even within “white” there are undertones—cool, warm, stark or creamy. Match your splashback to kitchen cabinet doors for a monochrome scheme, or introduce subtle contrast with soft grey glass that echoes stainless appliances. Braver renovators love a statement white kitchen blue splashback or moody charcoal to ground an all-white palette.

Installation & compliance

New Zealand Building Code clause C/AS1 requires non-combustible surfaces within 200 mm of gas hobs. Toughened glass, tiles and metal sheets meet this, but acrylic panels do not. Always confirm with your installer, especially when specifying mirrored finishes behind open flames.

Cost guide (indicative)

• Painted glass: $450–$650 per m²
• Ceramic subway tiles: $80–$150 per m² plus labour
• Stone slab: $900–$1,200 per m²

Pricing excludes demolition and electrician fees for relocating power points.

Maintenance

Use a pH-neutral cleaner and microfiber cloth on glass. For grout, a half-and-half vinegar solution keeps lines bright. Re-seal stone annually to resist oil splatter.

Pairing with other kitchen elements

To create a cohesive space, coordinate your splashback with:

• Benchtops – choose complementary textures.
• Kitchen tapware – matte black pops against white tiles.
• Kitchen sinks – stainless or fire-clay in matching tones.
• Kitchen appliances – black glass ovens mirror glossy splashbacks.
• Kitchen hardware – handles in brushed nickel echo cool whites.
• Waste bins – integrate under-bench models for a clean silhouette.
• Kitchen storage and organisers – keep benchtops clutter-free to let the splashback shine.
• Laundry units – repeat materials for adjoining utility areas.
• Complete kitchens – see how designers specify splashbacks in turnkey packages.

How to shop on ArchiPro

1. Browse the full Kitchen and Laundry collection or filter by ‘Colour = White’ to narrow the catalogue.
2. Save favourite products or request multiple quotes in a single form—ideal for comparing glass suppliers versus tile setters.
3. Message professionals directly for splashback ideas for a black and white kitchen or advice on lead times.

Ready to elevate your space? Explore the products above, gather fresh white kitchen splashback tile ideas and connect with New Zealand’s leading brands today.