Pros and cons
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of a glass apron.
pros | Minuses |
---|---|
Thanks to modern cleaning products, glass is easy to care for. | The high cost of the material. A glass panel is more expensive than tile or chipboard. |
Installing a glass apron will take very little time. | The product requires dimensional accuracy. Its installation is carried out only after installing the headset. |
Skinali allows you to implement any design ideas thanks to a huge selection of shades and patterns. | The apron is made to order and it takes time for its manufacture and delivery. |
The glass surface looks easy and unobtrusive, so it fits perfectly into any modern interior. | The glass panel looks out of place in the classic and "rustic" styles (country, provence, shabby chic). |
You can learn more about its characteristics from this video:
What glass are they made of?
Each type of glass apron has its own characteristics. Let us dwell on them in more detail.
Tempered glass apron (Stalinite)
The name of this material speaks for itself: during tempering, silicate glass is subjected to thermal action, and then it is rapidly cooled, thereby achieving special strength and impact resistance.
- The wall panel made of stalinite, mounted above the countertop near the stove, does not deform or scratch.
- The service life of such a product is more than 10 years.
- If the glass nevertheless breaks, then into safe pieces with blunt edges.
Triplex kitchen apron (laminated glass)
Such a product consists of two or three layers of glass glued together by a polymer film.
- Thanks to the film, any pattern or ornament can be applied to the panel. It also helps hold glass fragments in case of damage.
- The product has high strength and resistance to high temperatures.
- The product from triplex is much heavier (its thickness is 8 mm) and costs more. In addition, its production requires more than two weeks.
Plexiglas kitchen apron
The material is also called "acrylic" or "organic" glass. It consists of polymers and has both pros and cons:
- It is cheaper than natural glass, has a lower weight.
- Resistant to dirt, moisture and various microorganisms. Just look after, but do not use abrasive cleaners.
- Shockproof, but easy to scratch.
- On the panel, you can print any picture or give the product some shade.
- Do not install the product near an open fire, since plexiglass does not withstand heating above 80 degrees.
Polycarbonate apron
Cast polycarbonate is much more suitable as a practical apron than plexiglass.
- Almost scratched, but may become cloudy from exposure to a hot plate.
- Resistant to moisture, easy to clean.
- It bends, therefore it can solve various design problems, and also it is easier to make holes for outlets in it.
How to choose?
When choosing a glass apron, it is worth paying attention to some details:
- If you need a laconic and stylish apron to protect the wall, you should use a transparent panel that does not catch the eye. The glass surface will help protect the wallpaper or paint when the interior of the kitchen does not want to be overloaded with various textures.
- The standard height of the product is 60 cm, but there are manufacturers who can make the product of any size and shape.
- The panel may consist of several sheets or one solid.
- The product is fixed either on special fasteners using through holes (transparent products are installed only in this way), or on liquid nails.
What else to look for when choosing a glass apron can be found in this video:
Interior Design Ideas
At first glance, glass may seem too simple, uncomplicated solution for the kitchen. But in fact, the variety of material is amazing, and the advantages of glass help to translate any design idea into reality.
Backlit glass apron
It’s worth adding a little light - and the glossy glass surface will sparkle with glare and transform the whole atmosphere. The easiest way to make the backlight is to install a moisture-proof LED strip under the kitchen cabinets. It evenly and efficiently illuminates the cooking area.
In addition to tapes, lamps or spots of directional light are successfully used. The most expensive option is the backlight, which is built into special profiles. They are fixed at the top and bottom of the glass panel and give the impression that the wall panel itself is lit.
Clear glass panels
When conciseness is important in kitchen design, a frosted glass apron is chosen. The lack of gloss and glare helps to “dissolve” the panel in the interior, making it invisible.
If the priority is color purity, white glass products (optivite) are used. This tempered glass costs more than usual, which has a characteristic bluish tint, but it looks much more elegant, and also helps to convey the color palette without distortion.
Aprons with photo printing on glass
Apron images have been popular for a long time. In interiors where the kitchen is not overloaded with details and has a muted color, such a product looks like a stylish picture.
Some manufacturers offer ready-made solutions from catalogs - city landscapes, flowers and patterns, but the final choice of design depends on the taste of the owner.
Solid color panels
These aprons are great accents for interiors in neutral colors: white, gray and beige. They blend perfectly with a light tree. If a kitchen is thought of as bright, a colored item is a wonderful way to “revive” the environment.
Vinyl apron
This relatively inexpensive way allows you to decorate the kitchen with images of fruits or berries, adding to the atmosphere of brightness and juiciness. The theme of nature is also popular: the forest, grass and raindrops soothe and help to achieve inner harmony. But, choosing a multi-colored product, it is worth remembering the main thing: the kitchen should not look overloaded. To do this, it is better to use a concise headset and trim.
Triplex Apron Images
Since the product from triplex is a multi-layer “sandwich”, the pattern on the decorative film is reliably protected from moisture and ultraviolet radiation, therefore it does not deteriorate and does not fade. The glass panel can imitate the texture of stone, for example, marble, which always looks stylish and expensive. Also on the apron you can immortalize your favorite family photo.
Mirror surface
The mirror surface looks original and in a good way complicates the kitchen. This option is worth a look at the owners of cramped kitchens. A high-quality product does not fade and is durable, but requires very careful care: drops from splashes are clearly visible on it.
Photos of kitchens in various styles
The glass panel is suitable for both spacious and small-sized rooms, and fits perfectly into any modern style.
The direction of minimalism does not suffer excesses, so an apron made of glass is the best solution for the kitchen. Unlike tiles, panels do not crush space, reflect light and help visually expand the room.
The kitchen, designed in the industrial style of the loft, in addition to the rough finish includes many light and glossy surfaces. If there is a brickwork in the cooking zone, the glass will protect the textured wall without hiding it.
A glass apron is a good choice for a high-tech kitchen. It is characterized by an abundance of reflective surfaces, including on household appliances. In addition, the lighting is actively used in the ultramodern room, which means the glass product meets all the requirements of style.
We have already said that a glass apron is not easy to fit into the classic interior of a kitchen with stucco, carved furniture and monograms. But the designers successfully cope with this task, choosing glass with a sandblasted pattern or volumetric pattern. If the owner's choice is a modern classic with expensive materials and a moderately elegant set, a glass panel will come in handy.
The glass apron will fit into a cozy bright Scandinavian style. It is preferable to choose a transparent panel that does not attract attention.
Photo gallery
Glass is easy to care for, it is environmentally friendly and has an attractive appearance, so a glass apron is the easiest way to protect the workspace and decorate the interior of the kitchen, emphasizing the individuality of the situation.