What to make an apron from in the kitchen: review of materials, modern ideas. Glass apron for the kitchen. Aprons for the kitchen - ceramic, mosaic, glass, MDF What are kitchen aprons made of?
Ceramic tiles are one of the best and most popular materials for decorating a kitchen backsplash. But far from the only one. Let's look at the pros and cons of alternative materials - wall panels, skinali (tempered glass). And with the nuances of laying out a tiled apron that you may not have guessed about.
1. Laminated wall panel
For whom:
- for those who want quick changes in the kitchen without a messy renovation.
- for those who are renovating their kitchen in super-economy mode;
- for tenants of apartments in the “granny chic” style, when it is important to cover the old apron in the kitchen, and the owner does not agree to expensive repairs;
A rich palette, including stone, wood, tile, with the ability to order fancy patterns; There are matte and glossy, textured. Typically, laminated panels are ordered as a companion to a laminated countertop - they are made in the same color.
Budget material; the price is comparable to the cost of inexpensive ceramic tiles.
Very easy to install and dismantle - no need to “dissolve the dirt”. But if you're tired, you can replace it in literally an hour. You can glue it directly on top of the old tiles (if the thickness does not interfere); you do not need to prepare the surface in any special way.
This is a sheet material and the sheet may be undersized. With a large kitchen, joints will inevitably appear, which (at best) will be formed with an aluminum profile, as in the photo. Unlike tile grout, it is intrusive and not always aligned with the lines of the upper and lower cabinets.
— For the joint in the corner, metal corner guides are used. It is also better to cover the end of the panel with a metal plate to make it look neat. Unlike chipboard countertops, the ends of the laminated panel are not covered with an adhesive edge. This means that these will be places unprotected from moisture. If you do not treat them with sealant during installation, the panel will quickly become unusable.
— Do not install next to a gas stove. Only if the stove has a lid (and it is this that will protect the wall when raised) is this option possible. But in kitchens with hobs without a protective cover, it is better to opt for other materials.
Fact: The width of a laminated panel sheet rarely exceeds 60 cm. If you need to place the apron behind the hood, a horizontal joint may form.
2. Artificial stone wall panel
For whom: for those who are looking for a “shortened” apron of an unusual shape, as in the example in the photo; for those who need an apron without a “plinth” (inevitable in the case of chipboard wall panels). Price: from 3000 rub. per p.m.; depends on the brand and composition of the artificial stone.
The panel is glued to the tabletop during installation, which eliminates gaps and water ingress. No baseboard needed.
The apron can be made curly, without extending to the upper cabinets.
The wall panel made of artificial stone is glued and sanded in such a way that the joints are not visible - for any length of the kitchen. + Repairable: artificial stone is restored to its original appearance with the help of simple grinding.
- The material is also produced in bright colors, but it is always monochromatic or has stone inclusions of various types. The texture can hardly be called “rich”.— Such a panel costs at least twice as much as a laminated wall panel.
3. Flexible veneer (artificial stone in veneer, flexible stone)
For whom: for those who need the texture of natural stone or natural wood at a relatively affordable price.Price: from 5000 rub. per sq.m. The flexible stone consists of a sandstone cut 1-2.5 mm thick, a binder polymer and a textile base. In the photo - spruce veneer on a Corian base.
Flexible veneer is practically indistinguishable from the original in appearance.
Subject to local repair.
Easy to install without the help of specialists.
— Limited number of shades.
— Requires special care due to its hygroscopicity: treatment with protective impregnations once a year.
4. Skinali: tempered glass wall panel
For whom:
- for those who want to dissolve the kitchen in the living room;
- when there is a task to use wallpaper (covered with glass) instead of an apron;
- for those who are looking for a durable backsplash option without seams, but with a non-speckled / non-stone pattern.
Quick to install option.
The ability to make any color and apply any design, it can be made transparent or mirrored.
- Due to its limited size, it is best suited for small kitchens.
— Requires a perfectly flat wall surface, since installation is carried out using special fasteners, and if the wall is uneven, the glass may crack.
— The glossy surface of the glass requires constant care.
5. Boiserie: wood wall panel
For whom:
- for those who want to visually extend a set without upper cabinets;
- for those who need to integrate the kitchen into the surrounding interior;
- for owners of a spacious kitchen in a classic style.
Boiserie is a modular design consisting of narrow panels of different heights mounted in a groove. For installation, external and internal corners, as well as end elements, are used. Boiserie panels are often used in combination with artificial stone, for example, for decorative finishing of buffet areas.
A beautiful option for the interior, which flows into the living area.
Boiserie can be ordered in an unexpected finish - aged, tinted, unexpectedly painted.
— Difficult to clean due to the presence of grooves.
— Quite a high price.
6. Mosaic apron
For whom:- for lovers of colorful decors and glitter;
- for owners of a small kitchen.
A wide variety of sizes and shapes: from squares and rectangles to circles and pebbles.
Variety in materials used: glass, ceramics, stone, metal, wood.
Supplied in sheets of approximately 30x30 cm, which makes installation easier.
Can be used on radius elements.
Possibility to cut the sheet and use undercuts.
— High consumption of grout.
— Some elements may shift or peel off from the base during installation, which requires painstaking restoration work.
7. Ceramic tiles
For whom: for those who choose proven and understandable solutions - most workers know how to work with tiles, laying an apron will not cause any difficulties.Price: from 1000 rub. per sq. m - consists of the cost of tiles, grout and installation services.
+ Rich in patterns and formats, thanks to which you can achieve various effects by styling or choosing a bright collection.You can choose both expensive and budget tile options.
Not sheet material. There is no need to cut and work with large parts.
— Requires care and accuracy when laying out, skill from the tiler. - Suggests dirt during repairs.
— It is possible to overpay for extra meters when purchasing tiles in boxes.
What is important when laying a tile backsplash?
1. Choose the appropriate format
In a small kitchen, a large format will look out of place, just as in a spacious one - a small mosaic. The most economical to use is medium format. If you compare the cost of installation, the small format is more expensive. If we talk about the price of the material, then you are more likely to overpay for large-format tiles: more tiles - more leftovers (and therefore unnecessary expenses). But an apron made from large-format tiles is easier to keep clean: there are fewer seams and less chance of fungus growing in them. Tip: Order the kitchen first. You just need to order - in this case you will finally decide on the project and will not change anything. When you pay for the furniture order and receive the project with dimensions, you will clearly understand which zones will be tiled and what their area will be. And then you will be able to more accurately calculate the consumption of tiles (and afford more expensive collections).2. Decide on the size
The fact is that 60 cm is not the only possible size of a tiled kitchen apron. Firstly, this is the apparent size (the actual size should be larger). And secondly, in order not to get the “we didn’t have enough money” effect, the tiles should be behind the hood and “somewhere upstairs”, behind the open shelves.How to determine the minimum size of a kitchen tile backsplash
Linear kitchen
The day we start, we are looking for the estimated lower border of the apron (determined by the kitchen set you ordered). We add the height of the base (legs) and the height of the frame (cabinets) and subtract 2 cm. To determine the upper limit of the apron, add 65 cm to the sum of the heights of the base and frame. It turns out that the visible height of the apron is 60 cm from the table top to the wall cabinets. And another 3 cm will be at the bottom of the wall cabinets. We lay the tiles on all open surfaces where there are no cabinets, but add 5 cm to each side. For example, if the kitchen has a dome-type hood 90 cm wide, and the distance between the cabinets is the size of the hood, then the tiles must be laid out 1 meter wide. If the kitchen ends with a refrigerator or pencil case, then extend the apron 5 cm beyond it.Corner kitchen
If we are talking about a corner layout, then along one of the walls we will get a visible connection of the end of the cabinets to the wall. And the tile placed under them will create a visible gap (since the tile is thick). For a corner kitchen, I advise you to calculate the end of the kitchen by the cabinets - not by the countertop. That is, you should not place the apron under the top row. The second important nuance is to take into account the thickness of the tiles when laying them on another wall: it may happen that they annoyingly extend 1 cm beyond the boundaries of the set just because you did not take into account the thickness of the coating on the adjacent wall.
For a corner kitchen, the calculation is as follows: we find the upper limit (where the cabinets begin and the apron ends), count down 60 cm from it and add a margin of 5-10 cm. Tip: Think about symmetry and beauty of styling. For example, you can lay out the tiles symmetrically relative to the hood, sink or other central element of the set. It’s ideal when the furniture and tiles go to the door casing (as in the photo in this interior). The ends and cracks are not visible - the tiles can only be laid along the apron.
Linear kitchen by surprise
Option one: We don’t put tiles on the end wall at all. This option is acceptable if the sink is not located in one of the corners, and the wall covering without tiles will be resistant to washing (as in the photo above).Option two: We lay tiles on three walls.
We place the tiles beyond the boundaries of the lower cabinets and upper wall cabinets. But to what depth? It all depends on the tile format. If it is large in size, you can lay tiles from the bottom to the top of the kitchen along the depth of the lower cabinets. If it is medium, you can lay the apron at the depth of the lower cabinets, as in the example in this photo. If the tiles are small in size, you can make a smooth transition from the depth of the lower cabinets to the depth of the upper ones. But in this case, practicality is lost. If the end wall is small or is the side of a technical box, it can be completely tiled. And in order to save money, choose a companion tile to the main tile on the apron.When is it okay to break the rules?
If you are laying a backsplash with small-format tiles (for example, honeycomb), you can not put the tiles behind the upper cabinets, but “tear” them without trimming. You will get an original uneven edge. By going into the work area without a sink or stove, you can reduce the number of rows of tiles, reduce them to nothing, or do a “stretch”, letting more and more tiles through, and finally reduce them to nothing.In order not to lose practicality, finish the gaps in the tiles with decorative plaster and cover them with a special protective compound. Tip: If the slab is located far enough from the end wall (as in the photo), the tiles can only be laid along the main wall, going behind the cabinets and hood. Important:Be sure to place tile behind the sink cabinet and behind the dishwasher and washing machine. To do this, you can take any budget tiles or scraps from tiles for the apron.
A kitchen apron is an integral functional and at the same time decorative detail of the interior. In the modern market of construction and finishing materials there is a growing demand for kitchen plastic panels. It should be noted that materials with plastic, including laminated MDF, are in an affordable price category, while the performance characteristics have a significant advantage: acceptable moisture resistance. For optimal protection of kitchen walls, experienced finishers recommend materials made from tempered glass, which are in many ways superior to tiles. It should be noted that tempered glass is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and the ability to implement attractive design ideas. Below are experts' opinions on which apron for the kitchen is better to choose: plastic or glass. It will be useful for you to familiarize yourself with interesting facts.
How to make a professional kitchen apron?
Correct calculation of apron sizes
When marking the dimensions of the apron, you need to add a couple of centimeters in the right places. This approach is needed to ensure that the protective wall finish extends not only under the countertop, but also under the floor and wall-mounted kitchen cabinets.
lilac design
Sealing seams
The kitchen apron should have a flat, smooth surface with no visible seams. The fact is that, as a rule, particles of dirt and moisture penetrate into the joints, and the cleaning process is quite labor-intensive. To prevent such problems, you should use a silicone-based sealant.
Adding a baseboard
The area where the backsplash and countertop meet needs proper protection. For this purpose, a plinth is taken, and in addition to it the above-mentioned silicone sealant. If you neglect this point, then water will inevitably enter the area where the floor cabinets are installed. The back walls of such furniture are usually made of wood-fiber sheets; in a humid environment, they tend to become overgrown with mold, become deformed, and swell.
Practical apron
The kitchen needs the right materials. Traditionally, when designing a backsplash, unglazed ceramic tiles and other porous finishing materials are immediately excluded. When selecting a material, it should be taken into account that fat and moisture are firmly fixed in the pores, surface care is difficult, and it provides a favorable environment for the activity of bacteria and dangerous mold.
Glass kitchen apron
Expensive tempered glass is a practical and aesthetically attractive material. This coating has a number of properties similar to time-tested tiles. The glass apron is extremely easy to clean from dirt; moisture accumulation and constant temperature changes do not damage the coating. Purchasing glass material will cost more than tiles, mosaic wall material, chipboard with plastic and MDF. When calculating the cost of an apron, you should also include expensive installation using special fasteners, a specific process for creating holes for roof rails and sockets.
The apron is ideally attached with fasteners specially designed for this purpose, without the need to level the wall or even remove the old tiles. If glue is used to attach the material to the wall, the wall will need to be adjusted to a level and the surface must be dry and clean.
Attaching glass material to the wall does not involve dirty work and is done quickly. You can begin installing the apron only after the kitchen set has been installed. The craftsmen carry out the work carefully; this usually takes 2 hours.
A glass kitchen apron has the following positive qualities:
- long-term operation without damage;
- excellent moisture resistance;
- easy care.
Quality material with UV printed image with good ink has a 5 year warranty. The complete opposite is the budget imitation glass coating, made of plexiglass with a pattern on the film. It is necessary to emphasize that grease and water stains and stains are hardly noticeable on a glass apron; in this regard, the material outperforms mosaic or regular tiles. A smooth surface without joints is easy to clean, which cannot be said about an apron with an abundance of seams.
Kitchen apron made of plastic
Description, surface preparation and installation of material
We continue to talk about which apron for the kitchen is better to choose: plastic or glass. Next, we describe the properties of the plastic finish. This option can be called economical. There are several types of material, the most popular are practical panels made of MDF, fiberboard or chipboard, coated with a layer of plastic. The surface imitates wood, mosaic tiles, stone surface. As an alternative, you can choose another type of plastic apron - polycarbonate. MDF boards, resistant to mechanical and moisture factors, are inferior to artificial or natural stone coverings, mosaic finishes, and ceramic tiles, but are sold at an affordable price.
Wood blocks act as the base of the apron; the panels do not adhere to the wall. From this it follows that surface leveling is not required.
MDF panels are easy to work with and installation is accessible to beginners. It is not difficult to create holes for railings and sockets.
Main characteristics of the material
A kitchen apron made of plastic panels has the following advantages:
- durability of the material;
- moisture resistance;
- easy care.
It has been noticed that high-quality material made of MDF and plastic can serve for several years without problems. True, the service life is shorter than that of glass and tiles. A plastic apron based on MDF is more resistant to a humid environment than chipboard panels, but in this sense it is inferior to stone, mosaic, tile and glass aprons. To avoid damage, it is worth thoroughly treating the edge and effectively hiding the joints with the tabletop using a plinth. Housewives note that the surface is easy to care for: the smooth and even apron has no joints and can be easily washed with a sponge or soft microfiber.
In addition to the considered options for finishing a kitchen apron, today the following are common: ceramic tiles, natural stone, natural wood, metal, artificial stone or marble, laminate panels, postformed sheets of chipboard and plastic, mosaic tiles, mirror material, plexiglass and panels with built-in lighting .
In the process of renovating a kitchen, few people pay attention to the little things, nuances and details. They often think globally, taking care of proper waterproofing, drainage and choosing the color of future furniture. Without this, of course, you can’t go anywhere, but negligence regarding small things can result in disastrous consequences.
Such “optional” things often include kitchen aprons. This is not the kind of wardrobe item that the housewife ties over her clothes so as not to get dirty. We will talk about the space between the lower and upper tier of kitchen furniture.
This area of the wall is often “forgotten” to be decorated with materials resistant to temperatures and moisture, which is why the plaster can simply crack and crumble. Often everything is limited to decorative plaster, wallpaper or paint.
Materials for a kitchen apron
It is worth remembering that the kitchen is not a decorative room. Everything here should be as functional as possible. Splashes of juice from a bottle, grease from a frying pan, and water from the sink are common. The same can be said about the increased temperature from the hob.
One way or another, the use is partially “reflected” on the space of the apron in the form of splashes, stains and other far from aesthetic elements that are extremely difficult to remove by conventional means.
The main properties of an apron are durability, hygiene and durability. This way you will protect the wall and save on further repairs. In addition, the apron can be given almost any texture using various building materials, which we’ll talk about.
Often used elements such as:
- tile/tile
- mosaic
- steel
- glass
- a natural stone
- fake diamond
- tree
- plastic
Remember that for MDF, plastic, tiles and mosaics, it is additionally worth purchasing a special plinth that is attached between the wall and the countertop. This way you will protect yourself from moisture and dirt getting into the cracks of the surfaces.
MDF panels
Perhaps the cheapest and most economical way to finish a wall. Some manufacturers offer ready-made kitchens, the design of which is initially supplemented with protective boards of the required dimensions.
Even if you order the panels separately, they will not greatly affect your condition. The advantages of the material are obvious: low cost, imitation of any texture, a variety of colors and more. They are not demanding to install, so installing such an apron will not be difficult.
It is believed that MDF is resistant to mechanical stress and aggressive cleaning with household chemicals. But in fact, the decorative laminated coating quickly loses its presentation, even in gentle mode.
Tiles and tiles
Another representative from the classic “collection” of materials. This finishing method requires careful preliminary preparation of the wall for installation.
The installation process is the same as for regular tiles, but the square footage is limited to the verified area that needs to be covered.
The tile is practical in all respects, since it is not afraid of temperatures, liquids, or chemicals. It looks much more expensive than MDF, and you can “play with” the design.
Some tile manufacturers even create custom landscapes that look great in almost any room. The main thing is that such a move does not stand out from the general ensemble of the room.
It is also worth mentioning mosaic, as a subspecies of tile. These are small tiles with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm, glued to a mesh base. Thanks to their structure, they can “adapt” to any wall texture, but most often they are mounted on a flat, pre-prepared surface.
The process is quite labor-intensive, since after installation it is necessary to carefully seal and rub the seams so that moisture and debris do not get into them.
Mosaic
Steel
If you want a kitchen in a loft or high-tech style, or are trying to recreate a marine design, then steel will help you with this like no other. The main thing is that it is pre-hardened and, naturally, does not rust.
This material has a number of advantages:
- hygiene;
- durability;
- practicality;
- durability;
- ease of installation.
There are also disadvantages. In particular, steel aprons will be inappropriate in small rooms, because the air gap between the panel and the wall will resonate quite well, causing an annoying “metallic” sound. Any cooking will be reflected by an increased hum and knocking.
It is more appropriate to use it point-wise, to protect the wall near the stove and sink. It’s easier to decorate all other surfaces with the same tiles. The only exception is the initially conceived “steel” concept, but this is a matter of taste.
Glass
This material became popular not as long ago as all the others, but quickly caught on and conquered its niche. This kind of kitchen glass is called skinali.
It is a sandwich panel with a thin film between the layers. The second name is triplex.
They can be either transparent or textured, with drawings. To do this, the print is initially applied to the film, after which it is pressed against two sheets of tempered glass.
The finished picture looks very beautiful and unusual.
Often skinals are mounted on an unplastered wall to imitate rough brickwork or sloppy plaster, only without the characteristic disadvantages.
As for the cons. Despite the heat-resistant surface, cleaning this pleasure is quite problematic, since stains on glass are common. Treat cleaning triplex in the same way as washing windows, there is no other way.
A natural stone
Those who can afford such material will probably not waste their money on tiles and MDF. The same applies to lovers of ecology, as well as admirers of Provence, boho and the modern Middle Ages.
The advantages of agglomerates do not require scrupulous consideration. It is enough that the strength of the minerals is not much inferior to precious stones like emerald, and the service life of the surface is calculated in decades.
It is enough to remember the marble fireplaces of the 18th-19th centuries to understand what is in front of us.
There is also no need to talk about heat resistance and immunity to water. The surface of the same marble and granite has its own hydrophobicity, but experts additionally open the stone with a special glue, which seeps into the pores, preventing moisture from being “pulled in.”
Perhaps this is the only type of apron for which you need to match the color and texture of all furniture, as well as decor. The finished ensemble looks extremely impressive.
An apron in the kitchen in the context of organizing space is a special wall cladding in the work area (near the stove, cutting surface, sink). Its purpose is to protect walls from contamination by food debris, splashes of water and drops of grease. They usually differ from the rest of the wall surface in appearance and type of material. For example, the walls may have washable wallpaper, and the apron (the wall in the work area 2 m from the floor) is trimmed with tiles or moisture-resistant plastic.
Special aprons for the kitchen work area
The key requirements for the apron material are the possibility of easy and safe cleaning without compromising the quality of the surface. Usually, for these purposes, moisture-resistant, durable materials with a smooth surface are chosen - tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaics. If it is not possible to carry out full repairs and purchase expensive materials, glue tiles, and seal seams, then you can choose a more affordable and practical way to protect the walls in the work area. Special aprons for the kitchen made of rolled self-adhesive material, as well as thin rigid CPL panels based on ABS plastic or fiberboard (fibreboard, HDF) do an excellent job as an apron.
Advantages of plastic aprons and fiberboard boards
Their advantages are obvious to many buyers:
- instant installation;
- compactness;
- low cost;
- practicality;
- durability;
- design variability.
Unlike conventional ceramics in the work area, an apron based on plastic or fiberboard can be mounted on the wall almost instantly. For this, special construction glue or self-tapping screws are used. Installation takes only a few minutes and does not require outside help. Depending on the nature of the rough surface, the film or tile can be fixed in any convenient way. Liquid nails are suitable for a load-bearing concrete wall that cannot be removed with conventional screwdrivers. For wood or drywall, you can use self-tapping screws.
Most removable kitchen splashbacks come in the form of small rolls (for ABS plastic) or MDF and HDF panels. The average length of one product is 2-2.6 m, width - 0.6-0.8 m. The low weight of the products - no more than 4 kg - reduces delivery costs.
After installation in the work area, kitchen aprons show excellent performance:
- resistance to stains;
- water-repellent properties;
- heat resistance and shape stability;
- resistance to chemical cleaning agents.
Most aprons are coated with a special water-repellent composition with a matte or glossy texture. Thanks to it, easy and quick cleaning is possible using a damp sponge and conventional soap-based detergents (dishwashing gels, special solutions for wet cleaning in the kitchen). It is better not to use abrasive powders and metal sponges.
With proper care, kitchen aprons retain their original properties for a long time, do not fade in the sun, and do not swell under the influence of hot steam and moisture. Manufacturers recommend installing them directly near the hob with caution, as the temperature range of the material is limited. Constant exposure to heat from the stove can cause the plastic to warp or cause a fire. The ideal place to install the apron is near the sink or cutting surface.
Design of aprons for the kitchen: there are plenty to choose from!
In addition to the practical component, kitchen aprons also have a decorative function. Many housewives buy them not so much to protect the wall from splashes of grease, but to decorate and stylize the kitchen interior. Manufacturers offer customers a wide range of aprons in various designs to choose from. The great variability and variety of designs of roll and panel aprons determines various ways of using them:
- imitation of natural finishing materials using a high-precision image of the texture and pattern of natural stone, wood, ceramics;
- decorating the work area in various styles using photo printing or drawings on the apron.
The use of aprons imitating the surface of tiles, natural or artificial stone, wood and other natural materials is a popular solution in the design of the kitchen work area. Users choose aprons made from granite, marble, sandstone, pebbles, and wood veneer. Many people find it more practical to buy and install a panel with an imitation mosaic wall finish - it is much faster, more practical and cheaper. For comparison, a full-fledged finishing of an apron in a kitchen work area using ceramic tiles costs an average of 40-50 thousand rubles. The cost of an apron 2.5 m long is about 1,340 rubles per unit. In this case, there is no need to buy additional tile adhesive, grout, or working tools. The benefits of such a solution are obvious.
Decorative aprons: a wide field for creativity
For buyers who prefer unusual design solutions in the kitchen interior, manufacturers offer aprons with photo printing. This is simply a huge field for activity and flight of fancy, which does not require special training or knowledge. There are a huge number of types and types of images on aprons. We list only the main categories:
- macro photography of natural objects (flowers, trees, leaves, grass, fruits);
- panoramic photographs of cities, natural landscapes, beautiful landscapes;
- thematic images (food, drinks);
- abstraction (patterns, animal prints).
Macro photography is one of the most popular types of images that users choose when purchasing a kitchen backsplash. These are large photographs in which small details are clearly visible (for example, the veins of petals and leaves, drops of water on fruit, grains of strawberries and other details). Large and detailed images of flowers and leaves with dew drops are in greatest demand. Another popular macro photography theme is fruits falling into water. Large and clear photographs of juicy and bright fruits look very appropriate in the kitchen, delivering aesthetic pleasure and whetting the appetite. Staged photographs of food and drinks and products look just as good: coffee beans, bread, confectionery, chocolate, spices.
Panoramic shots, urban views, landscapes are usually used to stylize and emphasize the style of the kitchen interior. This could be a black and white photograph of the Eiffel Tower or the suburbs of Paris, a panorama of New York or London at night - anything that should emphasize the general direction of kitchen design in English, French or other style.
Abstract patterns, geometric shapes, animal prints (zebra or tiger stripes, leopard spots), splashes of water, concentric circles and large curving lines look great in some interiors.
What should you choose?
Which design option to choose depends on your preferences and kitchen design features. Aprons with imitation finishing materials - granite, marble, tiles, small mosaics - look universal and are suitable for any room. You need to be careful with drawings and macro photographs, because... There is always the possibility of going too far with color, choosing the wrong style, ruining the overall impression of the interior..
It's no secret that the “work apron” in the kitchen is nothing more than the surface of the wall between the lower and upper cabinets. Due to the fact that this very surface is most susceptible to contamination, it is constructed from the most resistant materials. Therefore, ordinary people often face the question: which apron is best for the kitchen?
Do not forget! Among other things, this space is also room for creative ideas: by choosing the material with imagination and taste, an apron can become an effective decoration of the kitchen - after all, this particular area is always in sight!
Types of kitchen aprons
MDF panels
Pros:
- Kitchen facades made of MDF are the most economical solution.
- Installation activities take a minimum of time.
MDF sheets are thin, they are covered with a furniture matte film. Often, they are produced by manufacturers of kitchen countertops, therefore, the most harmonious option is an apron of the same color (ornament) with the countertop.
Most often, you can also purchase a side (profile for the corners) to complement them in order to decorate the edges of the tabletop that are in direct contact with the panel. Decoration in the same style.
The drawings mainly imitate the textures of natural materials:
- Marble.
- Granita.
- Or, less commonly, they are similar to analogues made of wood or bamboo.
Another important positive feature of MDF panels when you are wondering what kind of apron to choose for the kitchen is getting a single monolithic surface!
This surface smoothly transitions from a horizontal tabletop to a vertical wall. This is a definite plus for housewives who do magic in the kitchen and love cleanliness - after all, cleaning such a continuous surface is much easier than washing the seams between the tiles. In addition, such panels can be easily dismantled and replaced if necessary.
Minuses. There are not many shortcomings, but we will still note them:
- Limited list of designs and ornaments.
- Simplicity of style. So, if you prefer variety and comfort, pay attention to other materials for your apron. There are quite a few of them.
Ceramic tiles
It could be:
- colored glass;
- transparent glass;
- frosted glass;
- amazing new product - photo panel(a very rare material that is supplied only as an addition to a fully ordered kitchen, and only if the manufacturer has such an option).
If you, thinking about what is the best way to make an apron in the kitchen, stop at the photo panel, then know that there are several production technologies.
Here are the main ones:
- the most inexpensive - a poster placed between two glass sheets;
- photo printing placed directly on glass plus sintering. It's much more expensive.
However, the effect is impressive - it’s very modern! And especially if the style is mixed with the use of “supporting” decorative elements in the “techno” style (glass, metal).
Know! If you decide to use a simple manufacturing technology, then at your request you can easily change the “mood” of the kitchen apron: you simply insert another picture (poster) instead of the old one!
More to the advantages of all types of glass panels:
- seamlessness;
- neat and quick installation.
We would probably consider the following to be the disadvantages:
- The high price is significant here.
- As well as the need for careful polishing of the glass surface using special detergents. If this becomes decisive for you in the question of which apron to choose for the kitchen, choose another option.
Mosaic splashbacks
Pros:
- The most important advantage of mosaic is efficiency! This is a beautiful texture and play of colors. The small format of the mosaic is maximally proportional to the working surface of the kitchen apron, so it will look elegant.
- Glass mosaics fit perfectly with modern kitchen models, combined with living rooms and a dining room into a studio. For matte kitchen facades and facades made of solid wood, ceramic mosaic is most suitable. But for the last option, it would be nice to go with decorative tiles - it’s up to your choice.
The disadvantages include:
- high cost (both material and installation);
- scrupulousness and care when styling, which takes a lot of time and effort.
However, the result will ultimately amaze you with its luxury!
More about species and finds
In addition to the generally accepted leaders in the production of kitchen materials, there are special materials. They can be used advantageously when decorating a kitchen apron.
Namely:
- aluminum and plastic panels;
- natural decorative stone;
- fake diamond;
- decorative brick;
- tree.
However, it should be noted that the material on which we made a larger review above is more stable during operation. And it is much more diverse in terms of decorativeness. Therefore, when thinking about how to choose an apron for the kitchen, carefully weigh all the pros and cons - and make the right choice!
Remember! There is no limit to the ingenuity of designers - you can turn many of their solutions into reality with your own hands. Numerous photos and videos from the Internet will help you with this, and clear instructions and following them will help you in making a difficult choice.