How to choose an apron for your kitchen set
A kitchen apron is a small section of the wall between the lower and upper tier of the kitchen unit. This panel protects the wall from dirt, greasy and wet splashes, hot steam, and also gives the interior a complete look.
The content of the article
What should an apron be like?
In order for a product to perform protective and decorative functions, it must be made of special materials that can withstand factors such as:
- heat;
- sudden changes in temperature;
- mechanical impact;
- high humidity.
In addition, the surface should be easy to care for, it should give a feeling of comfort and luxury, be in harmony with the furniture and appliances used, and also complement the design of the room. To choose the right material for installation, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular products, as well as choosing the right wall panel for kitchen furniture.
How to choose an apron for kitchen furniture
The modern market offers a wide selection of materials for kitchen aprons. Of course, not all of them can boast of practicality, high strength and excellent aesthetic characteristics.Let's consider the most popular surfaces that can fully meet the conditions of the kitchen area, that is, they are easy to clean, can withstand different temperatures, are resistant to chemicals, and so on.
Ceramic tile. Perhaps the most popular material, which is distinguished by its versatility and practicality. The advantages of such a product include:
- easy surface care;
- fire resistance;
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to chemical care products;
- immunity to temperature changes;
- environmental friendliness;
- high durability;
- aesthetics;
- a wide variety of designs, including the possibility of photo printing and imitation of the surface of wood, concrete, stone, metal and so on.
Among the disadvantages are:
- complexity of installation;
- difficulty in maintaining seams in perfect condition;
- high cost.
Important! It is recommended to choose smooth matte tiles, as they are much easier to clean than a textured glossy surface, and it is also best to use waterproof grout in dark shades.
Mosaic. This option allows you to create a bright, luxurious and unique kitchen design. The product can be made of glass, smalt, ceramics, stone, metal and other materials. Among the advantages are:
- durability;
- attractive appearance;
- high moisture resistance;
- easy care.
However, the disadvantages include the high cost and the fact that the mosaic is difficult to install; the help of specialists may be required.
Metal. Stainless steel can also be an excellent solution for creating a kitchen apron. The positive aspects of the material include:
- ease of care;
- resistance to mechanical and chemical stress;
- durability and wear resistance.
However, if you choose polished metal, you will have to handle it very carefully, since even small dirt, as well as drops of water and fingerprints, are visible on such a surface. In addition, you should understand that this texture is not suitable for all kitchen set options.
Strained glass. This is a beautiful and durable material that allows you to create an original design. The advantages include:
- beautiful view;
- high strength when choosing glass with a thickness of at least 8 mm;
- wide design choice - frosted glass, tinted, transparent, painted and so on;
- easy care;
- affordable price.
Attention! Of course, it is important to understand that such an apron will not fit every kitchen set, so you should choose this material with caution.
Also popular and interesting solutions include materials such as plastic, MDF panels and stone (artificial or natural). When choosing a specific option, you should proceed from personal preferences, financial capabilities, as well as the features of the space in the kitchen and the installed set.
Combination of colors and colors
To get a harmonious look of the kitchen space, it is worth considering not only the design of the walls, ceiling and flooring, but also choosing the right color of the apron in accordance with the chosen set. In general, we can say that the apron is an independent element, but still, when choosing a color, you should rely on such techniques as:
- contrast with the color of furniture facades, for example, for white furniture a bright apron - red, blue or yellow - is perfect;
- the principle of the opposite, that is, a glossy dark wall panel is perfect for light matte cabinets;
- a combination of colors, in particular, the color of the apron can echo the tone of the upholstery of chairs, curtains, flooring and other surfaces.
It is also considered ideal when the apron is matched to the color of the countertop, walls or kitchen unit. If the kitchen is decorated in a two-color scheme, then it is recommended that the protective panel be made in an intermediate tone between the two shades.
Important points when choosing an apron for your kitchen set
When choosing a kitchen apron, you should consider its height and size. According to the rules, the height is 60 cm, but in some cases there may be exceptions. The width is chosen to cover the wall along the countertop, sink and hob. Also, when choosing an apron, you should consider such points as:
- harmonious combination of the wall panel with the interior of the kitchen;
- the bright color of the apron can lead to rapid eye fatigue;
- to make the panel an accent in the kitchen, you can give preference to materials with a glossy surface;
- the size of the pattern on the apron must correspond to the dimensions of the room;
- to visually expand the space, it is recommended to choose material with horizontal lines;
- mirror materials will help expand the kitchen area.
Important! The material for the apron must be highly durable, wear-resistant, easy to clean, safe, moisture-resistant and temperature-resistant. Of course, when choosing a panel, it is worth knowing which decisions are best to avoid.
Which apron will not match
Some decisions can significantly spoil the impression of kitchen design. Let's look at the most common mistakes.
- It is worth mounting a mirrored apron in such a way that it does not reflect many small objects, otherwise you can get the effect of a cluttered space.
- You should not install a wall panel with a large pattern in a small space and vice versa, otherwise it will be difficult to achieve harmony.
- For small kitchens, it is optimal to choose an apron in neutral colors, but if the choice is made in favor of bright colors, the space will become uncomfortable.
- It is necessary to combine colors wisely; you should be especially careful with the duet of white and black, since such a combination can reduce an already small space.
To summarize, we can say that only by choosing the right design of the kitchen apron and the material for its production, you can really create a harmonious and cozy space in the kitchen. There are also many photos in which you can clearly see how the apron fits into the interior.