What are the finishes?
Consider the most common options for finishing an apron in the kitchen and examine the strengths and weaknesses of each type.
Ceramic tile
It is a popular and traditional solution for decorating an apron.
pros | Minuses |
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Low-cost, waterproof and fireproof finish that is easy to clean and has a long life.
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Tile joints become dirty and absorb moisture. Therefore, a grout update may be required. |
It goes well with other cladding and can be used to decorate the entire wall plane. |
To lay a tile, certain skills or the help of a specialist are required. |
Ceramics imitate different textures in the form of wood, leather, marble or granite. |
Tile decoration has a variety of textures and color schemes. This material allows you to decorate the apron with different plots, inserts or colorful mosaic panels that can satisfy the most choosy housewife.
Matte, glossy, plain, smooth, embossed ceramics or photo tiles with drawings harmoniously complement any kitchen design and make it more complete.
A rock
The material can be natural, artificial or presented in the form of blocks of porcelain stoneware, concrete and gypsum tiles or bricks.
pros | Minuses |
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Natural finish is very durable, withstands any temperature changes, calmly tolerates the effects of steam and water. |
It has a fairly sophisticated installation technology. |
The stone has a hygienic surface on which harmful bacteria do not multiply. | Natural marble coatings quickly become dirty, absorb fat and may lose their luster over time. |
Artificial material is easier to clean and allows you to create a seamless apron surface. | It belongs to a high price category. |
Despite some disadvantages, the apron made of marble has high decorative qualities, giving the kitchen an expensive and status look. This cladding has a delicate and translucent texture.
The most common solution is stone based on concrete. Thanks to the saturated and catchy surface, the apron zone will look spectacular.
MDF or particleboard
Due to the affordable cost and easy installation, such products are in high demand.
pros | Minuses |
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They are considered budget materials that can be installed independently without the help of professionals. |
Due to moisture, the structure of the material begins to collapse over time. |
The high combustibility of the panels makes them highly flammable. | |
Easy to clean and suitable for facing an uneven plane. | Pressed wood is subject to mechanical stress, so scratches gradually appear on the surface. |
Particleboard and MDF panels provide the opportunity to design an apron in the color of the countertops made of wood or stone. Due to its versatility, these products can complement the interior of any kitchen.
Metal
For an apron, choose both an affordable stainless steel and a more expensive copper coating. The metal sheet forms a seamless plane, due to which the working area in the kitchen becomes a monolithic look.
pros | Minuses |
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Withstands high temperatures and difficult to mechanical damage. |
The apron cannot be cleaned using abrasive products and hard metal brushes, as they scratch the surface. |
The metal does not absorb dirt, so there are no spots or traces of grease on the surface. | |
Easy to clean and water repellent. | |
Harmoniously combined with steel appliances and decor. |
The metal finish of the apron fits perfectly into the industrial, futuristic or minimalist design of the kitchen. The steel texture gives the atmosphere a certain severity, formality and at the same time spectacularity.
Glass
Neutral, muted or bright glass apron uniquely updates the interior of the kitchen and makes it sparkle with new colors.
Advantages | disadvantages |
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Eco-friendly material. |
Expensive price and the need for individual sizes.
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Special tempered glass is fireproof, durable, not afraid of temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet rays.
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It repels various impurities and is easily cleaned using any means and abrasive powders. |
Skinali can be decorated with images in the form of sunrises, sunsets, landscapes, geometric patterns and other things. Beautiful photo printing will add originality and interest to the kitchen.
Plastic
They represent a cheap category of materials that are used for temporary repair of a kitchen.
Benefits | disadvantages |
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It is relatively inexpensive and has a wide color spectrum. |
Over time, it begins to fade and fade from sunlight. |
PVC panels can be mounted by hand. | Subject to deformation and combustion. |
They are not afraid of water and are easy to wash. | Low-quality materials can heat up and release toxic substances. |
Plastic apron Suitable for photo printing and can simulate different textures. Due to the extensive color palette in dazzling white, golden, metallic, muted pastel or neon colors, it is possible to achieve the perfect design of the working area in the kitchen.
Wooden
To finish the apron, choose solid wood with natural patterns, rings and stains, or use lining in the form of small planks.
Advantages | disadvantages |
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Lightweight material with a relatively low price and the possibility of self-assembly. |
Low moisture resistant qualities, due to which the tree requires additional coating using special compounds. |
A wooden apron is poorly cleaned of dirt. |
Wood can be protected by impregnation, varnishes, tinting and tinting agents. However, the treated surface becomes flammable.
Wallpaper
The most affordable apron lining option, offering a huge selection of products that can be selected for the kitchen in any style.
Benefits | disadvantages |
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A wide variety of colors, patterns and patterns. | Impractical, absorb odors. |
Some models are moisture resistant. | Easily exposed to mechanical damage. |
In order for ordinary paper webs to retain their aesthetic appearance for a long time, it is advisable to close them with a special protective glass.
Self-adhesive film
It provides an opportunity to transform the kitchen without extra efforts and add to it uniqueness and originality.
Benefits | disadvantages |
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You can stick it on your own, the process does not take a lot of time. |
Suitable for gluing only on a perfectly aligned plane. |
There are no traces left after dismantling. |
Inexpensive products are less practical. |
Thanks to a special treatment, they are not afraid of moisture, steam and grease. |
May break when glued. |
Easy to clean. |
Since the film is considered vapor tight, the surface under the product does not breathe.
Slate
Such a design solution will appeal to creative people. Slate apron is suitable for writing motivational labels, various messages or just grocery lists.
Benefits | disadvantages |
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Cleaned with a rag or sponge. |
He does not like cleaning with hard brushes and abrasives. |
It is easily mounted with its own hands and dries quickly. |
Crayons scratch the surface over time. |
Such a coating is wear-resistant, durable, refractory and environmentally friendly. |
A black slate apron does not always fit a specific kitchen interior. |
Comparison table of materials for an apron in the kitchen
Comparison of the characteristics of several facing materials.
Material | Ceramic tile | A rock | MDF or particleboard | Glass | Plastic |
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Price | Average price category. | High price category | Have a low price. | High price category. | It has a very low price. |
Longevity | from 15 to 20 years old. | from 15 to 20 years old. | from 3 to 5 years. | from 5 to 7 years. | from 1 to 2 years. |
Moisture resistance | High level. | Great level. | Middle level. | Great level. | Low level. (depends on installation work) |
Environmental friendliness | Eco-friendly. | Eco-friendly. | Depends on operating conditions. | Environmentally friendly. | Depends on operating conditions. |
Care | There are difficulties in the care of the seams. | Simple. | Simple. | Simple. Some pollution is noticeable. | Simple. |
Mounting | Complicated. | Complicated. | Plain. | Complicated. | Plain. |
Design | Variety in color, pattern and shapes. | Suitable for a limited number of styles. | Use of any color, photo printing. | Drawing any picture and photo, using 3D effects. | Use of any color, photo printing. |
Which size is better to choose?
The size depends on the size of the kitchen. Basically, a work area is formed along the entire length of the kitchen set. Partial finishing of the apron is only possible for problem areas near the sink or stove.
Standard the height of the apron is about 50 or 60 centimeters. Individual parameters will depend on the growth of households and on how to arrange the upper cabinets of the headset and more.
The right solution is to finish the entire wall. You can also have the apron go slightly under the upper and lower cabinets of the kitchen unit.
How to choose the right color?
Dark colors are considered the most impractical for the kitchen, since pollution is most visible. For a kitchen in neutral tones, it is better to opt for a bright apron or cover with variegated drawings.
The kitchen space in a romantic classic or Provencal style is perfectly complemented by a light finish that will merge with the set and create a delicate and sophisticated atmosphere in the room. Natural beige, gray or light brown colors look beautiful.
To create an original apron in the kitchen, choose a rich pink or red design that fills the room with warmth and comfort. Blue, blue or turquoise coating will significantly refresh the space, green and emerald cladding will create a calm atmosphere, and yellow and orange materials will bring a sunny mood to the room.
Stylish Design Examples
Stylish and unusual performance differs mirror apron. Despite its luxurious appearance, mirrors are not very often used for facing the working segment. The interior of the kitchen with a faceted mirror cloth looks really spectacular.
You can use the built-in backlight to create an original apron design. This solution not only attracts attention and gives expressiveness to the design, but also visually increases the area of the kitchen due to additional lighting.
Quite popular is design with flowers. The surface of the apron, decorated with daisies, sunflowers, orchids or roses, brings a special sophistication to the kitchen.
The perfect option is organic boar tile. Universal finish harmoniously blends into any interior solution and does not create problematic care.
In addition to the standard design of the apron, various creative ideas can be brought to life. For example, use the materials at hand in the form of utensils or tile fragments, sea pebbles, wine corks, metal lids and other things.
For a small kitchen, a mirror or glossy apron is selected in muted colors in combination with light furniture facades. This will give the atmosphere a certain integrity.
It is not recommended to trim the apron area with materials with a large contrasting pattern or catchy photo printing. Such a design will further complicate the kitchen. Lining with small unobtrusive patterns or horizontal stripes will look much more harmonious.
Photo in the interior
Thanks to materials with high decorative properties, the design of a kitchen apron acquires an original and unique appearance. Below are examples of beautiful kitchens with modern aprons in the interior of apartments and houses.