Kitchen apron always in sight, this is a noticeable and important part of the image of any kitchen. But among other things, it is also a very loaded surface. The space above the work surfaces is subject to temperature changes, constant exposure to moisture and not only drops of water, but also hot fat. That is why you should approach the choice of material for decorating a kitchen apron with special care and spend no less time than when selecting a suitable option for kitchen facades or raw materials for making a countertop.
Currently, there are many options for finishing materials on sale for such difficult surfaces as the wall above work area kitchens. Obviously, these should be non-staining materials that are easy to care for; use chemical cleaning agents when cleaning; they should be resistant to moisture and high temperatures. Of course, the method of decorating the apron should not violate the stylistic harmony of the kitchen space and should please the owners of the kitchen with its appearance.
Before considering options for finishing materials for your backsplash, decide whether you want it to act as an accent element and attract all eyes, or do you want the surface above the work areas to blend in with the overall color scheme? Would you like to join the company of stone or wooden tabletop made of the same material or do you want to save money on finishing the apron? For what period of time (at least approximately) will the design of the apron in particular be designed in general? When you have an idea of what kind of kitchen apron you want to get in the end, comparing this knowledge with the renovation budget, you can easily make the right decision. We hope that specific examples of designing aprons in modern kitchens will help and inspire you.
From modern materials Almost all these requirements, one way or another, are met by the following:
- ceramic tile;
- mosaic;
- stone (natural or artificial;
- MDF panels;
- tempered glass;
- metal (steel, bronze, aluminum, brass, iron).
But let’s look at each material for decorating the surface of the apron separately, and look at the pros and cons that each option certainly has.
Ceramic tiles for facing a kitchen apron
We can safely say that ceramic tiles (tiles, ceramics) are the leader in the market of materials for cladding not only kitchen surfaces, but also any other utilitarian premises of our homes. Every homeowner who has ever faced the need to renovate a kitchen and bathroom knows perfectly well that in order to achieve a beautiful, practical and inexpensive cladding any planes, you can safely purchase ceramic tiles.
The advantages of using ceramics to decorate kitchen walls:
- high level of practicality and durability. Ceramic tiles are not afraid of moisture and temperature changes, and practically do not fade long years and retains the appearance it had when purchased;
- ease of operation. Fresh stains can be easily washed off with a wet sponge, old dirt can be cleaned with detergents;
- versatility from the point of view of harmonious integration into any style of kitchen interior. All thanks to the variety of colors and textures, sizes and shapes of the range of this finishing material produced today. The tiles can be plain or colored, with patterns, ornaments and imprints. The material can be produced in matte or glossy form, with a smooth or textured surface. Tiles can effectively imitate stone or wood texture and fit perfectly into the interior of any style, from country style to modern manifestations of high-tech or loft;
- democratic price. The assortment of modern stores provides a selection of ceramic tiles designed for different levels homeowners' income, and find suitable option everyone can. In addition, in many kitchens the height and length of the kitchen apron are small and its finishing requires a small amount of tiles In this case, you don’t have to save money and choose the appropriate option not only in terms of cost, but also in appearance and workmanship.
Thanks to all these qualities, most of our compatriots, without hesitation, choose ceramic tiles for covering a kitchen apron, without even considering alternative options. Minor shortcomings do not bother most homeowners who decide to transform the kitchen with a minor renovation or undertake a full-fledged renovation.
The disadvantages of tiles as a finishing material are as follows:
- complexity of installation. Agree that in order to properly, beautifully and durablely tiling a backsplash with ceramic tiles, you need considerable experience in this area. As a result, there is a need to turn to specialists, whose services are very expensive;
- high level of pollution large area kitchen space during installation.
Porcelain stoneware has long ceased to be a finishing material only for flooring and switched to facing vertical planes. In addition to its enhanced qualities of durability and strength, porcelain tiles are installed faster due to large sizes cast (although there will be more waste when decorating complex surfaces with rosettes and other holes).
Subway tiles are one of the most popular types of ceramic tiles used for vertical kitchen surfaces. Snow-white tiles with a matte or glossy surface, combined with grout of the same shade or a contrasting one, dark color, has long been a constant participant in kitchen designs and is not going to give up its position. The fact is that this type of tile cladding fits perfectly into almost any kitchen interior.
Clinker tiles are usually produced in unglazed form. Thanks to a special technological method for producing tiles (extrusion), it acquires high technical characteristics, because its firing occurs at very high temperatures. Externally, the tile looks matte, its surface is smooth. Clinker easily withstands moisture and high temperatures, chemical cleaning agents and is incredibly easy to clean. Looks great in classic interiors or country style kitchens.
Mosaic for finishing a kitchen apron
If you need a practical, but at the same time bright and dynamic design of the apron, then mosaic can be an ideal option for cladding. Especially if the surface of the apron is quite complex and includes niches or curves.
Advantages of mosaic tiles:
- mosaic tiles have in their arsenal all the advantages that are characteristic of tiles, except for their low cost;
- In addition, mosaic has a unique finishing material ability to cover surfaces that are complex in terms of geometry - niches, arches, curves, recesses;
- Great for edging the perimeter of an apron or highlighting certain parts of it;
- visual expansion of the room. Mosaic tiles are recommended for cladding surfaces in small kitchens, which is very important for our compatriots who inherited “Stalins” and “Khrushchevs”.
Among the disadvantages of mosaic cladding of the apron are:
- higher cost than simple ceramic tiles;
- a large number of seams between the chips – separate elements mosaics and, as a result, special care for them, treatment with moisture-resistant grout, cleaning, refreshing their appearance approximately every 2-3 years;
- As with ceramic tiles, to install mosaics you must use the services of professional tilers.
Combining tiles in the design of an apron
An interesting effect can be achieved by combining ceramic and mosaic tiles when covering surfaces above the kitchen work area. Such an interior will be unforgettable and individual. In terms of cost, the design will not differ much from one that uses only tiles (after all, only a small amount of mosaics is needed), and the visual effect will compensate for the cost of time and effort.
MDF boards for decorating surfaces above the kitchen work area
The fastest and inexpensive way designing an apron in the kitchen - installation MDF boards with PVC film.
In addition to the low cost of MDF boards, they have a number of advantages:
- fast production. As a rule, kitchen furniture manufacturing companies take on the process of producing an MDF apron to your measurements;
- quick installation. The same company that manufactured and assembled a set of kitchen cabinets also installs MDF boards;
- the ability to replace MDF sheets even without removing kitchen cabinets and changing the kitchen stop at any time;
- the absence of joining seams, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of the apron surface;
- the ability to create drawings, photo printing, any ornament without restrictions on MDF panels.
Among the disadvantages of MDF panels with PVC film are the following:
- low level of strength. MDF is significantly inferior in strength to ceramics, glass, stone and metal;
- unproven environmental friendliness. Already for a long time manufacturers of MDF panels argue in favor of the environmental friendliness of this finishing material, while ecologists, in contrast to them, put forward their evidence of harm to humans and environment some substances involved in the manufacturing process of modern facing materials.
Glass after tempering is an excellent option for decorating an apron
A beautiful and durable way to decorate surfaces above the kitchen work area is glass cladding. Typically, tempered glass is used in two possible options– painted surface or with photo printing. Modern technologies allow you to transfer any image onto a glass plane - from a family portrait to the words of your favorite song that you hum while preparing a family dinner.
Glass also has the following advantages:
- all the advantages of popular finishing materials (practicality, ease of maintenance; resistance to high temperature, calm transfer of high humidity);
- ease of installation;
- seamlessness;
- high level of strength and durability (and yet you shouldn’t throw a cast iron cauldron into a glass kitchen apron).
Among the obvious disadvantages, it is worth noting, first of all, the high cost. But it can also be amortized over a couple of years of use of the glass covering to decorate part of the kitchen wall.
Natural stone for a noble finishing of a kitchen apron
More often a natural stone used for facing an apron, which is called “complete with a table top”. For cladding surfaces above work areas, durable types of stone are most often used - marble, granite and basalt. Granite can be called the leader in popularity among natural materials. The fact is that it has high strength with low porosity, which means moisture, and with it dirt, penetrate much less into the structure of the stone. The same cannot be said about marble, for example. But with sufficiently frequent grinding, a similar effect can be achieved. But appearance A marble countertop in the company of the same apron will delight you for many years and will be able to serve more than one generation of the family.
Recently, a material called lithoceramics has become popular - a composite of marble and tiles. Outwardly, only specialists are able to distinguish natural stone from a synthetic “alloy”, but the tiles obtained as a result of the merger are much lighter than marble, they are easier to install, and they are certainly cheaper than natural stone.
Subway marble tiles of the same type with the countertop material create an elegant and noble alliance that can decorate both a kitchen in a classic style, with traditional furnishings, and modern style kitchen interior.
Metal apron for a modern kitchen
I would like to immediately note that the apron is made of of stainless steel or iron will not fit harmoniously into every interior style. For example, for baroque, rococo and even classic styles, it is better to choose a traditional ceramic finish. But modern style, hi-tech and loft are in perfect harmony with the shine of stainless steel.
When creating an interior in which there will be a metal apron, it is important to remember about the necessary environment for it - use mirror surfaces or the shine of glass or crystal. In any case, most models household appliances for the kitchen are either made of stainless steel or have chrome fittings.
When using metal to decorate a kitchen apron, you must be prepared for any drops, even from clean water, will be visible on your surface of their steel or iron. This cladding option is not desirable for housewives who make the cleanliness of their kitchen an absolute priority.
If you feel that using a single piece of metal may add too much coldness to your kitchen interior, then you can consider metal tiles or mosaics.
Natural wood for finishing walls above work surfaces
Let's start with the fact that uncoated wood for decorating an apron is an extremely undesirable option. Wood perfectly absorbs moisture, and with it dirt, has a very porous, fibrous structure, and absorbs all odors. Therefore, if the interior of your kitchen requires a wood apron design, take care of the necessary protection of the wooden surface. Obviously, such finishing made from natural material will not be cheap. But during installation there will be little dirt, and you can be sure that the chosen method of cladding the surfaces of your kitchen is environmentally friendly. But you also need to be prepared for the fact that about once a year you will need to treat the wooden surface with special oils that prevent the material from drying out (after all, humidity and subsequent swelling of wood in the kitchen are inevitable).
Brick wall as a way to design a kitchen apron
If your kitchen is designed in a loft style and you would like to emphasize that the room belongs to this style by finishing the apron, then the best option would be to use brickwork or its imitation. Of course, the surface of the bricks and the seams between them must be covered with special moisture-resistant varnishes to protect the apron from constant exposure to moisture, dirt and drops of grease.
Does decorating a kitchen apron with ordinary ceramic tiles, tempered glass with standard photo printing from a catalog or a plastic wall panel seem too boring to you? In this collection of photos you will find unusual, bright, stylish, but quite real and practical ideas design of aprons that are easy to implement in your kitchen. The material was prepared by the site Krasivayaplitka.ru.
1. Handmade ceramic tiles
The use of unique finishing materials is one of the fashion trends in interior design. Finish your backsplash with handmade and painted tiles. It will bring special warmth to the kitchen design, make the interior unique and emphasize your individuality.
Tiles by individual order It can be different - painted and plain, smooth and embossed. In terms of strength and practicality, it is in no way inferior to the factory one. But you can bring your ideas to life or choose an idea from a catalog.
This finish can be made to order in a ceramic workshop. But if your renovation budget is limited, take a closer look at factory ceramics collections. You can find from many large manufacturers ready-made tiles, which in appearance are difficult to distinguish from handmade ones. Of course, there are fewer design options; you will have to choose from what is available, but the cost is much lower.
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2. Painted tiles
Most budget method add a twist to the standard ceramic finishing- paint the apron with your own hands. With the help of special paints for ceramics, you can transform inexpensive plain tiles if you decorate them with an interesting design. Now imagine how much joy your inner child will get from the process!
Don't know how to draw? Use a stencil. It’s easy to make by printing out a picture you like from the Internet. You can fix the drawn image by applying 1-2 layers of transparent acrylic varnish on top. If you do everything correctly, you can admire the updated apron for at least two to three years.
3. Photo tile
Photo printing on tiles looks much more interesting than standard decors, not to mention a smooth, monochromatic surface. If the range of photo decors from ready-made collections does not inspire you, consider making custom photo tiles. There are several ways to transfer an image onto a ceramic surface. The most reliable and durable - using decal technology. It will cost more, but will last much longer than an apron with a pattern applied by sublimation.
4. Artificial stone
The relief textured surface of the decorative stone looks very impressive. But practical housewives who love to cook a lot may doubt the practicality of such finishing. Dust and greasy deposits easily settle on the textured surface. You can avoid problems with cleaning if you install a powerful hood and cover the surface of the stone with transparent acrylic varnish.
The optimal solution is to decorate part of the wall behind the stove with a small panel of tempered glass, and decorate the rest of the apron with stone. Another good option— use stone-look ceramic tiles: they have a less porous surface that is easier to keep clean.
5. Lining and wood
Imitation wood looks great in laconic modern interiors, and in cozy kitchens in country style. If you want a kitchen with modern design, take a closer look at MDF wall panels finished with plastic, the structure of which resembles wood not only in appearance, but also to the touch. In a “rustic” interior, you can also use lining to finish the apron. The main thing is to treat it with an antifungal solution and cover it with a waterproof protective varnish.
6. Decorative plaster
Walls finished with this material are not much inferior in practicality to aprons made of tiles or glass, but only if you choose the right type of finish and strictly follow the technology of its application. In addition to the popular “Venetian” and “bark beetle”, decorative plasters have many different design options. For example, for kitchens in the loft style, finishing with concrete-like plaster is ideal, and for country or Provence - a coating under old wall with craquelure.
7. Mirror panel or tile
The mirror surface has the super ability to visually magnify small space, giving it volume and depth. The mirror on the apron perfectly reflects light and makes a dark kitchen brighter. But there is also an obvious disadvantage - this type of finishing is suitable only for neat people. With such an apron, any mess on the work surface will be doubled, and fingerprints, drops of water and splashes of grease will be evident.
8. Brick or clinker tiles
The textured surface of red brick looks fantastic in combination with the smooth glossy facades of a white, beige or gray kitchen set. Thanks to the contrast of colors and textures, such an apron will add texture and expressiveness to even the most laconic interior. The recommendations are the same as for finishing with artificial stone - cover the surface of the apron with transparent varnish, it will become easier to clean. Another option is to protect brick wall panel made of transparent tempered glass.
9. Wall panel stainless steel
The steel on the apron will fit perfectly into the design of kitchens in loft, minimalism and hi-tech styles and will complement a kitchen set with a modern design. If you don't like the look of splashbacks made entirely of metal, look at the photo below to see what small metal panels look like. Most often they cover part of the wall behind hob(this solution is especially practical for kitchens with gas stoves). The rest of the apron can be decorated with artificial stone, plastic, tiles, glass or painted with moisture-resistant paint.
11. Wallpaper
Wall coverings with eye-catching patterns or naturalistic imitation of wood, stone, fabric, brick are good for creating an apron with original design. In kitchens without upper cabinets In this way you can decorate the wall right up to the ceiling. Transparent will help extend the life of wallpaper strained glass. Optiwhite is best suited - it will cost about a third more than usual, but it does not have the characteristic greenish bottle tint, which can distort the color of the pattern on the wallpaper and ruin the entire impression of the apron.
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An apron is not only kitchen wear with cute strings and embroidery. Designers today call the kitchen backsplash the surface of the wall between the cabinets and the countertop. In Soviet times, people did not think about the design of this important part of the kitchen, and most often covered the apron with ceramic tiles. Nowadays, glass with printed images, mosaics and even steel sheets serve as an excellent replacement for “ceramics”.
Decorating a kitchen apron in the shape of an aquarium creates a unique atmosphere in the kitchen
Actually, the apron is an ordinary wall, and therefore all finishing options are acceptable for it. Bearing in mind the constant contamination of the wall surface from splashes, oil, steam, the apron is made from moisture-resistant durable materials. Here are several main types of base materials for an apron.
Ceramic tiles for backsplash
Thanks to the qualities of ceramics, an apron made of ceramic tiles can be called exemplary, because this coating repels grease, moisture and dirt. The variety of textures, colors, and patterns of tiles leads to countless design options.
Mosaic effect tiles correct selection lighting surprises with the play of colors and shades
- You can create an apron divided into zones. For example, place it above the stove and sink decorative tiles, and above work surface countertops – simpler tiles, without distracting elements.
Designing an apron with division into zones has an additional decorative effect
- Pragmatic people who have chosen a kitchen backsplash design using ceramic tiles are recommended to select tiles without a clear relief. Unwanted dirt can accumulate in the recesses. The seams between the tiles should be varnished or made as narrow as possible.
Brick tiles as a design option for a kitchen backsplash are enjoying steady popularity
- The tiles should not be matched “tone on tone” to the wallpaper; it is better to play with the color scheme. Perhaps you should go with a contrasting or darker option. In small kitchens - on a lighter one.
Vinyl stickers will decorate ordinary tiles with fancy, elegant patterns.
Glass panel - skins for the kitchen
Glass has been attracting people's attention since ancient times - just remember the magnificent stained glass windows of cathedrals and the delicate, elegant creations of Murano glassblowers. That is why, when the design of a kitchen apron is important for a person, he chooses glass. The glass apron looks elegant, and at the same time is functional and practical. The wall surface is smooth, kitchen dirt does not linger on it, and since the glass is tempered, it does not crack from temperature and impact.
Bright prints on the apron can play the role of accents in the kitchen interior
There are two main modifications of a glass apron, the difference being the transparency of the material. Frosted tempered glass is used for backlit kitchen splashbacks, and reverse-colored glass is used to create an extraordinary design.
The use of backlight reveals virtually unlimited possibilities for design experiments
fashion trend on the Russian market - glass aprons with flowers, marine themes, and fruits
In Europe, glass aprons with abstract, intricate patterns, or plain ones that do not distract attention from the important process of cooking are popular
A small drawback of a glass apron is that it must always be created to order. The project must be carefully small parts, thought out. After all, if after a while you want to rehang the roof rails or move the hooks for cutlery, you won’t be able to do it.
The glass apron looks elegant, and at the same time it is functional and practical.
Also, the glass at the corners will be rounded, sometimes this does not fit into the overall design of the kitchen. When attaching a glass apron with clips to these fittings, the same problems may arise.
A glass apron was used in the interior design of this kitchen.
However, most of the necessary elements – shelves, supports, etc. – can be glued to the glass.
Ornament or mosaic
Mosaics used to be used to decorate the walls of the castles of the aristocracy. Therefore, decorating an apron in the kitchen using small ceramic or glass tiles looks dignified, elegant and makes the owners feel like residents of, if not a royal, then a princely palace. Mosaic looks great in the interior classic style, on either modern kitchen with glossy furniture facades.
Glass mosaic, selected to suit color scheme kitchen, looks harmonious and noble
The visual effect of expanding the space can be achieved by using small mosaics to decorate the kitchen apron
It is preferable that the colors of the mosaic ornament are in harmony with the interior, say, with the pattern of curtains or towels
MDF panels and laminate for apron
Modern technologies make it possible to replace not only bathroom tiles, but also ceramic tiles with durable and beautiful MDF panels. True, they are not so strong and durable, but they look decent. Especially when the texture resembles smoothly planed and perfectly laid wooden planks. Or, for example, kitchen aprons made of MDF “granite,” “malachite,” or “marble” look great in a kitchen with stone countertops.
A laminated apron for the kitchen is one of the popular design options
MDF panels for wooden planks look impressive, but require more careful maintenance
Inventive and light-hearted people will like MDF panels with designer drawings
Metal panels
Metal plates for an apron are suitable for the high-tech style, which implies the presence of furniture and household appliances with shiny metal surfaces.
Metal mosaic is one of the most impressive ways to decorate a kitchen apron
The metal for the apron is aluminum, steel, tin sheets - durable and moisture-resistant. However, it is more difficult to care for metal, and therefore they should be chosen for kitchens whose owners prefer to order food or do not like to cook.
In some cases, it is advisable to use a solid metal apron
Designers claim that metal in the kitchen interior perfectly complements light wood, glass and plastic. Be sure to think through the lighting, otherwise you may be disturbed by a whole host of sunbeams and glare.
Plastering - simple and useful
The oldest method of wall decoration does not lose its relevance. If you have only linen towels, ceramic dishes, and plants everywhere in your kitchen, then you know that only plaster can absorb harmful carbon dioxide released during frying. Do not forget that plaster is hygroscopic - it tends to accumulate moisture - therefore, near the sinks, the kitchen apron should still be made of a different material.
Most economical option an apron does not always help maintain cleanliness and order
Stone in the kitchen interior
Stone is another ancient way to decorate a kitchen wall. If mosaics could be found in the kitchens of the Victorian nobility, stones were found in the kitchens of medieval earls. Nowadays, a stone apron is also found only in luxury houses, since the cost of laying and cutting suitable stones is high.
Natural or artificial stone also works well as a kitchen apron
A stone backsplash fits into certain rugged interiors with a hint of naive (or eco-friendly) style.
Pebble mosaic - spectacular and unusual way kitchen apron design
Complements harsh stone aprons wooden furniture no frills, but lace or embroidered potholders, towels, tablecloths, and napkins will help smooth out the impression.
Kitchen apron - the most important part kitchen design. This wall covering not only protects the wall above the work surfaces, but is also a significant element of the interior. The area above the work area is constantly exposed to high temperatures and continuous contact between water and moisture. All this suggests that when considering the issue of choosing suitable material, you need to approach it seriously and with full responsibility.
Basic rules for designing a kitchen apron
The height of the apron, as a rule, is selected so that it is primarily convenient for you to care for it, and also depending on the location of the headset. That is, for example, if the housewife is short, then the cabinets and fittings are hung lower, so the apron will also be low.
Good to know! Usually the height of the apron varies within sixty centimeters. If available in the kitchen gas stove make the apron in such a way that the distance from the surface of the stove to the hood is at least seventy-five centimeters.
In general, when determining the size of the apron, keep in mind that its upper and lower edges should extend slightly under the set and tabletop, respectively. Be sure to lay down the baseboard and seal it with a silicone-based sealant to prevent moisture from getting behind the countertop.
Choosing the best material
You should not choose materials with a porous structure for making an apron, as moisture and fat will accumulate in the pores. It will be very difficult to clean such a surface. In addition, the presence of seams on the apron makes the cleaning process much more difficult. It is advisable to treat joints and joints with silicone-based sealant.
Try not to skimp on the apron if the kitchen interior as a whole is low-budget. Then it will become exactly the highlight, thanks to which the kitchen design will sparkle with new colors. Conversely, if the overall design is filled with rich colors, choose more neutral shades apron
The standard color for the apron is . Suitable for almost any interior. And so that a pure white apron does not cause boredom, dilute it with bright inserts.
Do you want cheerful variety? Perfect. Pick up bright colors for an apron or a rich pattern. However, such a bold decision will necessarily require a roll call with overall design. Therefore, try to ensure that the colors of the apron are repeated in the colors of the trim and accessories.
Ceramic apron: time-tested
The most common material for a backsplash is small ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware. In terms of cost, this is not the most cheap material, rather mid-priced. But there is a huge selection of colors and tones.
Ceramic tiles have good moisture resistance, but you should not choose tiles with pores. The best option- glazed (glossy) surface. A kitchen apron made from this tile can be easily washed, but you should not use strong detergents. Over time, the grout material will inevitably darken, so choose the highest quality grout materials.
It is difficult to find a material with which ceramic tiles would be difficult to combine; natural wood is no exception
Photo tile: new for the season
Phototiles are an excellent alternative to classic ceramic tiles. The technology of installation and maintenance is the same as that of conventional ceramics, the differences lie in production process its creation, which consists of applying a high-quality, full-color pattern to the prepared surface.
Phototile is original solution that will decorate your interior. The material is moisture resistant and durable, but is more expensive than simple tiles. In addition, if the design was printed using sublimation or to order, then over time the image may fade or crack. Be careful when using cleaning agents.
Photo printing is a new direction in the design of kitchen aprons, which easily found its audience
Glass apron: practical and beautiful
Particularly attractive design technique is practical and unusual - a kitchen apron made of glass. Glass, as you know, is very easy to clean and is not afraid of moisture and high temperatures.
The cost is sometimes more expensive than regular tiles and other materials. This is due to the complexity of processing the source material. In addition to glass, the cost of installation will include: the purchase of fasteners and roof rails, as well as cutting out holes for sockets.
Installing a glass apron is a fairly simple process, provided you have some skill and a little experience. You can do it completely in just a couple of hours. However, you need to be extremely careful, especially if installation is carried out using fasteners rather than glue, as there is a risk of damage to the apron fabric.
When using special fasteners to install the apron, you will not need to perfectly level the wall, since this method leaves a gap between the apron and the wall (you can even hide the old covering). On the contrary, glue will require complete cleaning and leveling of the wall.
If you select nice apron, then it can last quite a long time, at least ten years. Provided that it is high-quality tempered glass and inkjet printing with special inks using ultraviolet rays, and not cheap plexiglass.
The material has excellent moisture resistance and is easy to clean. For daily care Regular glass cleaners will do. In addition, you won’t have to clean numerous seams like you would with tiles. The only downside is that dust, dirt and stains are much more noticeable on the glass surface.
Apron with mirror surface
Very interesting and unusual solution- apron with mirror surface. However, not everyone likes this, so before you do this in your kitchen, make sure that the apron will fit harmoniously into the interior of the room.
Using mirrors you can easily adjust the space. In addition, such an apron visually expands the space, gives the effect of perspective and, due to the reflection of light, makes the kitchen brighter. Among the shortcomings we can note: soiling, objects that are always reflected in the apron, including the reflection of the owner of the kitchen herself.
Mosaic for the kitchen on the apron
The mosaic apron simultaneously contains brightness, mood, and dynamics in the roll call of different color shades. This apron combines perfectly with the overall interior.
However, the cost of decorative mosaics for the kitchen is quite high, so be prepared for the fact that you will have to fork out for each square.
In addition, you will have to pay a considerable amount to the tile master, since you are unlikely to be able to cope with the work yourself. Tiles will additionally require adhesive and grout. An alternative to mosaic can be its imitation, made of ceramic tiles.
As mentioned above, the process of laying mosaics is very complex, long and does not tolerate amateurs. In addition, the grouting process increases significantly. If you still decide to make the apron yourself, then you can simplify the work by choosing a mosaic on a grid.
Mosaic is an excellent material for finishing curved surfaces, whereas on a straight surface it will reveal all the errors and flaws. Therefore, the preparation of walls is required to be as thorough as for tiles. In terms of durability, mosaic is not inferior to tiles, provided that all installation conditions are met (up to twenty-five years). Mosaic is not at all afraid of water and washes well. The only drawback is the numerous seams. To avoid darkening, purchase higher quality epoxy grout.
Plastic - economical and convenient
Plastic is a kind of economy class material. It can be installed from polycarbonate or plastic-lined fibreboard, chipboard or MDF. MDF-based plastic is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and maintain, and has average resistance to moisture and mechanical stress.
In addition, the technology for its installation does not require a perfectly smooth wall treatment, since it is not mounted closely, but on blocks of wood. It can be easily dismantled during the next repair. If the material is of high quality, it will last for many years.
Plastic on based on chipboard even cheaper than the previous option. It is also easy to install, does not require careful treatment of the wall, and is easy to maintain. However, such material is very unstable to moisture and can swell with prolonged contact with water.
An apron made of polycarbonate, like plastic, is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install material that does not require special preparation. As a rule, it is transparent, which makes it possible to apply it to back wall decorative pattern on film or wallpaper.
Of the minuses: unpresentable appearance, loses its transparency over time.
Artificial stone or metal: comparing the pros and cons
A kitchen apron made from artificial stone. And expensive in the literal sense. Usually such an apron comes complete with a tabletop and looks very harmonious and complete. Installation acrylic stone better to trust to an experienced master who can guarantee you the quality of the work he does. You definitely need to level the wall.
Artificial stone is a durable and strong material, installed without seams or joints, tolerates moisture well and is easy to clean. In addition, it is possible to restore the damaged surface.
A panel made of artificial stone is an excellent option to decorate the interior with a bright and quite attractive element.
A metal apron can be a sheet of stainless steel with decor applied to it or simply a smooth, glossy surface, or it can also be a metal tile various sizes, which is glued to the walls according to the ceramic principle.
Wood and brick: finishing with natural materials
If the interior of your apartment is made in a loft style and you want to emphasize this with your kitchen, then an apron made of brick or natural wood, nothing better will help you create a special atmosphere that matches this style.
Of course, we should not forget that brick has a porous structure, so its surface should be protected, which has a detrimental effect on its appearance. To do this, it is enough to coat it with a special varnish on a safe acrylic base.
Wood, unlike brick, is not such a capricious material, but nevertheless it also requires special care. The only thing you should worry about is that wood without a special coating is not suitable for a kitchen apron. After all, it’s no secret that this material absorbs moisture well, while accumulating dust and unpleasant odors in its structure.
To prevent this from happening, you need to carefully treat it with special protective oils on a natural basis, which will prevent not only moisture from getting inside, but will also prevent the material from drying out.
Parquet board is a type of flooring wooden covering, which can be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces
In a word, no matter what you choose to finish the apron: decorative plaster or, all these materials will definitely require special protection from moisture, dirt and grease.
We hope that this article will help you decide on such a huge and varied choice modern materials, which are used with equal success when decorating aprons in the kitchen.
Remember just one thing: what makes a kitchen cozy is not only bright colors, beautiful Decoration Materials And cushioned furniture, but also positive mood hosts, creating a friendly atmosphere.
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 decorative plaster, wallpaper or paint.
Materials for a kitchen apron
It is worth remembering that the kitchen is not 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 elevated 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.
The following elements are often used:
- 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 economical way wall decoration. 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 household chemicals. But in fact it’s decorative laminated coating Quite 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 walls to be laid.
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 loft or high-tech kitchen, or are trying to recreate 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 would 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 type 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 minerals are not much inferior in strength 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 special glue, which seeps into the pores, preventing moisture from “pulling 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.
