How to choose a kitchen apron: designer tips. The pros and cons of a glass apron in the kitchen, which is increasingly being chosen as an alternative to tiles Glass or plastic apron

Apron for kitchen from PVC panels

PVC panels are now very popular, as they are inexpensive, and outwardly they cannot be distinguished from real tempered glass. But they don't look like that for long...

The surface quickly fades, is afraid of abrasives, as a result, it quickly scratches, acquiring a very shabby look.

In addition, PVC plastic panels are afraid of high temperatures, which means that it is completely undesirable to place them near the hob.

In a word, the option is cheap, but very bad and in the end it will cost you more than something more decent.

Apron for kitchen from wooden lining

The option is very cozy, inexpensive and looks just great. Such aprons look especially good in kitchens decorated in any of the country styles, for example, the same “Provence”.

Almost anyone can make such a coating and for this you do not need to involve professionals.

average price

Ceramic tile kitchen apron

The tile has always been, is and will be the best option both in terms of practicality and price.

We placed it in the middle price category, but as you understand, it can be different: both very cheap and unrealistically expensive. But in general, people are more likely to choose average prices.

There is no point in talking about the advantages of a ceramic tile apron, everyone already knows this. And of the minuses, it can only be noted that not everyone can put it on their own, and this doubles the price of the apron.

Kitchen apron made of finishing bricks

Real brick cladding became popular at a time when loft and grunge kitchen designs came into fashion, suggesting bare walls or other intentional carelessness of decoration.

The brick apron looks pretty nice, but do not forget that washing it is completely unpleasant! Fat and dirt eat into the structure, are absorbed, rub it for a long time and tediously.

But, if such a prospect does not bother you, why not? In extreme cases, when you get tired of washing it, you can close the wall with tempered glass.

And one more thing: you do not need to use a solid brick for these purposes. Sufficiently narrow, which is used specifically for the external cladding of houses.

Stainless steel kitchen apron

Stainless steel is still an unusual option in the design of the working area of \u200b\u200bthe kitchen. But if you have a room interior in a modern style, we highly recommend paying attention to it. There are just a lot of pluses here, but there are no minuses in it.

Such an apron will cost quite inexpensively, it looks stylish, caring for it is simply elementary, and there is no question of durability!

Some are simply embarrassed by such a strict look and the “cold” of the metal. But if you look at the photo in the interior, it becomes clear that a stainless steel apron is appropriate in almost any kitchen, not only in the high-tech style, for example.

The only thing to consider when buying: do not take sheets that are too thin, they will not keep their shape and an unpleasant rumble can be heard when touched.

Also, do not take too mirrored surfaces, as the glare from the sun and lighting will be very annoying.

In addition to smooth sheets, there are also corrugated, matte, and embossed sheets on sale. In general, a good option and affordable, despite the fact that it looks extremely modern and expensive.

Acrylic artificial stone kitchen apron

Such an apron is very similar to natural stone, its price is very affordable, and for those who want to design a working wall in the form of a rock at all costs, this will be a good choice.

No photo printing can guarantee such naturalness. But, deciding on such a purchase, do not forget about the obvious disadvantages of acrylic artificial stone:

He is very afraid of scratches
He is afraid of hot (of course, he will not melt from the neighboring stove, but if a spark falls on him, then a trace will remain)
He is afraid of aggressive chemistry, from the use of which whitish spots remain on him.

But, with all this, acrylic stone slabs have one big plus: it is subject to restoration! True, if you treat the apron carelessly, then you will have to repair and patch it often, and this is not so cheap.

Expensive materials

Mosaic kitchen apron

A great option, but definitely expensive. In operation, no problems were found, such aprons serve for so long that they manage to get bored.

Among the shortcomings, it is only possible to single out that it is not always convenient to wipe greasy drops from thin crevices, therefore, it is advisable not to bring the dirt to the point that the dirt is firmly “ingrained”.

If you are interested in such a design, you can read about it in more detail in which lists all the pros and cons, as well as a lot of photos in the interior.

Marble kitchen apron

It is not so often possible to find a kitchen where such aprons are present, since this is an elite and very expensive type of coating. If you take a marble mosaic, it will come out a little cheaper than a solid slab, but it will be more difficult to care for it.

And despite the high cost, marble aprons have a big drawback: dirt and grease are absorbed over time and it is not very easy to care for them.

Otherwise, it is an unpretentious coating, not afraid of scratches, not afraid of aggressive chemicals. But in fairness, many other coatings that are easier to care for have the same characteristics.

A marble apron has the right to exist only if you need to emphasize the status of the home.

Kitchen apron made of natural stone

The stone can be anything: from pebbles collected on the shore with your own hands to unrealistically expensive onyx slabs.

Here the choice is yours. As for the characteristics of any stone, only one thing can be said: it behaves in much the same way as marble, that is, dirt and grease tend to be absorbed.

To partially avoid these problems, you need to choose plates on which a durable, glossy coating is applied, since any natural stone has a porous structure.

Be sure to ask the seller how the plates were polished and what additives were used to protect against moisture.

Kitchen apron made of quartz agglomerate

The material is relatively new to the kitchen aprons market, although it has been successfully used for the manufacture of countertops for a long time. Agglomerate is not an artificial stone, such as acrylic.

This is a quartz crumb, which, with the help of pressing, vibration and the addition of a small percentage of binder resins, was turned into a monolithic slab.

The stone comes out extremely durable, devoid of any porosity and moisture inherent in a natural array.

Caring for it is very simple, the agglomerate is not afraid of any mechanical damage and reacts negatively only to the strongest acids (as they corrode the binding resins). Just an eternal apron that will serve you all your life, and then your grandchildren.

It has a lot of colors and such a stone looks natural. It is absolutely impossible to distinguish it from natural. Good choice, in a word. Feel free to recommend!

Glass kitchen apron

Heat-resistant glass is not cheap, but it looks very stylish. With its help, you can realize any fantasy and display any image: from a mirror image to your own self-portrait.

As for the operation - the material is good and does not cause any complaints in any way. It is durable and easy to maintain.

Fancy DIY aprons

Pebble kitchen apron

If you live by the sea, then for you this option will come out budget, while being extremely original! You just need to drive to the shore and bring pebbles. And then fix it on the wall, covered with a small layer of tile mortar.

As for the care of such a surface, it cannot be called the simplest due to the fact that the plane is not smooth. And one more thing: if you poorly fixed the pebbles, then they will fall out at the moment when you rub the apron with a rag.

But such a working wall looks just great! Look please:

Splintered kitchen apron

A variant in the style of "hippie" practically. Naturally, it is very budget. But there is one “but” here: if you have bad taste, then you should not take on such work, as the result will be deplorable and sloppy.

To harmoniously match the shards, you need to have an understanding of color and feel the compatibility of textures. But if you succeed, then the guests will be delighted, 100%!

The assembly process itself is simple: the fragments are attached to some kind of base, such as cement mortar or gypsum plaster. The latter option is more preferable, as it is light, so bright glasses will look more contrasting and fresh on it.

Wine cork apron

The appearance of such a coating is very interesting. But, a cork is a cork: the material is porous and very soft.

Therefore, if you want such a working wall, you will have to cover it with transparent plastic on top, otherwise, in just a couple of months, the apron will look untidy and it will be simply impossible to wash it.

Kitchen apron with slate paint

Very, very interesting solution in terms of design. In addition, a piece of the board above the desktop is practical: at any time you can write something down without being distracted from cooking. You can also leave notes to your family if you need to remind them of something urgently!

Making such an apron is very simple: take a smooth piece of plywood, cut a strip of the desired size out of it, fasten it over the countertop and paint with special slate paint in 3-4 layers.

Such paint is not cheap, but you can save money: cover the first two layers with ordinary paint, and the top ones with slate paint.

See how cozy and original these aprons look in the interior.

Well, our review has come to an end, and we figured out which kitchen apron is better. We wish you a successful completion of the repair!

In a house or apartment, good owners practically do not have “secondary” rooms, that is, those that you can not pay much attention to finishing. For example, the kitchen, although it does not belong to the residential area, they still try to arrange it so that it is pleasant to be in it. And besides, in our tradition, the kitchen often becomes a "home club" or a place for receiving the closest friends and girlfriends. So the decoration of this room is always given special attention.

One of the most “problematic” areas of kitchen decoration is the wall along the work surface of the kitchen table, above the stove and sink. Most often, it is made out by the so-called apron, which can be made from a variety of materials. When determining the parameters of this zone and choosing a material, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules. Therefore, when planning a holding, many owners of houses and apartments often wonder what it is better to make an apron from in the kitchen so that it fits well into the interior and is practical to use. Let's try to understand this problem.

Criteria for choosing material for a kitchen apron

It is no secret that various negative influences are exerted on the finishing of the lower part of the wall along the work surface, sinks and stoves. These include high temperatures from the hob, steam, splashes of water, fat, juices from vegetables and fruits. Mechanical effects are not excluded. And this suggests that the material for arranging the apron must meet a number of requirements.

Such requirements include the following:

High temperature resistance, since the apron also runs along the hob or stove where food is cooked. Therefore, the heat comes not only from the stove itself, but also from the heated dishes.
Moisture resistance of the material. Steam from cooking, high humidity and direct splashes of water along the kitchen sink - these factors should not be terrible for the finish covering the wall.
Ease of cleaning surface of the finishing material. As you know, the working area in the kitchen gets dirty very quickly, so you have to wash it quite often. So that the cleaning process does not take much time and does not require much effort, it is necessary to choose a lining that will not absorb any substances, from fat to natural dyes of vegetables and fruits. In addition, it is easier to remove dirt and grease from a smooth surface of the cladding than from one with a relief pattern, so this should also be considered in advance.
Hygienic cladding. This criterion can include both the environmental qualities of the material, as well as the ease of cleaning mentioned above and the absence of the possibility of accumulation of greasy and dirty deposits. The trouble is that these layers become a favorable environment for the reproduction of various microflora, including pathogenic bacteria that are dangerous to human health.
Decorative finish- this is also an important criterion for evaluating the material for the apron, as it sets the design solution for the entire room. The first thing you pay attention to when entering the kitchen is the apron, as it takes pretty big the area of the wall located approximately at eye level. It is very important to think over the optimal color of the finish - it should not strain your eyesight, and the pattern on it, which will be pleasant first of all to the hostess who spends more time in the kitchen than all other family members.

Varieties of materials for a kitchen apron

Not so long ago, there was simply a special variety of materials for decorating the wall of the kitchen working area. As a rule, paint, wallpaper or, at best, one-color ceramic tiles, which were in great short supply, were chosen for this purpose. Today, the range of finishing materials is so diverse that, having come to a specialized store, you can get confused, choosing the best option. Therefore, it is worth considering different types of finishes and analyze their advantages and disadvantages.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles have long been a traditional option for decorating a kitchen backsplash. It has not lost its popularity even today, especially since the assortment of tiles in specialized stores is constantly growing. The demand for this material is due to its characteristics, which fully meet the criteria for choosing a cladding for a kitchen wall.

The practicality of ceramic cladding is undeniable, as it has numerous advantages, which include the following:

moisture resistance . Ceramics has a low porosity, so its structure practically does not absorb moisture - this explains the inertness of the material to the effects of water and steam. If moisture does not linger inside the material, then there is no favorable environment for the reproduction of various bacteria that are harmful to the human body.
Ease of cleaning . On the glossy surface of this finish, dirt does not linger, the material does not absorb odors, grease, natural coloring substances contained in fruits and vegetables. Therefore, drops of various substances that have fallen on the surface can be wiped off quite easily with using an ordinary damp kitchen sponges. Last resort, household chemicals can be used to clean the surface. The only substance that can damage the surface of ceramic tiles is hydrofluoric acid.
Weight of ceramic tiles . The manufacturer calculates the weight of the wall tile so that it can easily stay on a vertical surface with a special tile adhesive. Therefore, the process of laying the material is not particularly complicated, and even women's hands can do it.
Duration of operation . Ceramic tiles can be scratched or chipped only with considerable effort. This material will be destroyed only with a sharp mechanical impact, for example, from a strong accented blow with a metal object.
Inert to high temperatures . Ceramic tiles do not melt or burn when exposed to high temperatures, which is especially important for placing them along the hob.
Environmental friendliness . The material, even when heated, does not emit fumes hazardous to humans and the environment.
Variety in color, pattern and linear dimensions . Today on sale you can find tiles that have different sizes. Moreover, if you remove the exact parameters from the wall surface, then you can choose the cladding in such a way that the amount of waste is minimal. In addition to sizes, you can easily choose the desired color, as well as the pattern and texture on the surface. As you know, a tile can be absolutely smooth or have a certain relief, but everyday care is much more difficult with a relief.
Variety of style solutions . Modern ceramic tiles are made for laying them in rooms decorated in various styles. So pick her up according to this criterion it won't be hard either.

The material itself has few drawbacks, of course, if it is manufactured in compliance with all technological requirements. But improperly sealed seams between the tiles of the apron can cause moisture to penetrate under the cladding, which can lead to its delamination from the vertical surface. In addition, poorly executed will become a "shelter" for numerous bacteria, mold and fungi.

Therefore, when finishing, it is necessary to take seriously not only laying tiles on the wall, but also seal all the seams between it with the highest quality.

Now, having dealt with the advantages of the material, it is worth considering some of the nuances. This is best done using the example of ready-made aprons, arranged in different styles and from tiles of different sizes and colors.

Prices for ceramic tiles

ceramic tile

An apron decorated with one-color ceramic tiles is a fairly popular option, as it gives the surface neatness, does not require pattern adjustment and is suitable for any style of kitchen. Therefore, if you want to change the wallpaper or kitchen furniture, the lining of the apron can be left intact if it matches the color scheme for the new design. Colors such as white, beige and black usually go well with any color of furniture and finishes in the rest of the walls in the kitchen.

The disadvantage of a single-color apron is its soiledness, that is, even very slight pollution immediately appears on it. It will have to be wiped down every day after cooking is completed, as every drop will be visible on such a surface.

If a tile of the same color is chosen, then it is better if its surface is smooth, otherwise, over time, it will accumulate in the recesses of the relief pattern difficult to wash out mud mixed with grease.

Using several colors of tiles in the design of an apron is an equally popular option. However, in this case, the task is complicated by the fact that the shades of the composition must be in harmony with each other. On a light-colored tile, as well as on a one-color apron, all the drops that have fallen on the finish during cooking or washing dishes will be visible. If you do not immediately clean the surface of the apron, then the drops will darken and dry, and subsequently the lining will look sloppy, and it will be more difficult to clean it.

A tile that has a pattern traditional for stove tiles is perfect for those housewives who prefer to clean the apron once or twice a week, since small dirt on such a finish will be almost invisible. However, this type of tile can have a smooth surface or an embossed version. A smoother surface will stay cleaner longer and easier to clean.

Tiles decorated in this way will bring a special comfortable atmosphere to the kitchen, but visually make the space smaller. Therefore, you will have to choose between a feeling of comfort and an optical "expansion" of space.

Mosaic tiles have become an increasingly popular finish for kitchen backsplashes as well as bathrooms in recent years. This type of tile can be one-color, two-color or multi-color, and cubes of different colors are usually located almost randomly on the canvas area.

The popularity of this finish lies not only in its neat appearance, but also in the relative ease of installation. The fact is that, unlike the traditional one, mosaic panels have a certain flexibility, since small fragments are fixed on a fiberglass mesh or fiberglass. Therefore, you perform gluing the material quickly enough, and can be carried out not only on even, but also on curved surfaces, as well as on uneven walls, somewhat hiding their flaws.

The advantage of this version of the tile can also be called the fact that it does not have to be cut, resorting to some special tools. It is enough to have ordinary scissors on hand, since it is easy to cut off a fragment of the required size from the main canvas with them, because you will have to cut not the tile itself, but the base on which it is fixed.

After the mosaic tiles are glued to the wall, it is necessary to wait for the glue to dry. After that, the seams between the mosaic elements are filled with a grout of the selected color.

The mosaic version can be used to decorate the entire space of an apron or in combination with ordinary tiles, as a frame for a composition or interspersed with fragments of different sizes and shapes.

The obvious disadvantages of this type of finish include a large number of seams, the sealing material of which gets dirty rather quickly and is difficult to clean. When laying tiles of large sizes, this drawback is minimized.

Mosaic tiles prices

mosaic tiles

Finishing the apron with ceramic tiles with the installation of a thematic panel between them, one or more, always looks elegant. The main thing is that the composition should fit well into the overall design of the kitchen in terms of color, pattern and relief.

In specialized stores, you can find various options for such panels and tiles that come with them in the complex. Laying the cladding purchased in the kit is much easier, since the manufacturer provides all the sizes of the necessary parts, so you do not have to cut the whole tile, adjusting it to frame the artistic insert. It is important to choose an option that will be in harmony with the chosen style for, only in this case, such a finish will look harmonious.

The panel and tiles for it can have both a smooth and embossed surface. When choosing a relief, you must be prepared for daily cleaning of grease and dirt.

If you are thinking of just such an option for designing an apron, then you need to inquire in advance about the prices for such artistic inserts. Very often they are even more expensive than the rest of the wall cladding.

The variety of options for ceramic tiles that can be found on sale does not allow us to cover all the options with a description. Therefore, the design decision is usually chosen by the hostess of the house. Well, the ease of use and cleaning, as well as all the "pros" and "cons" of this popular material, were indicated above.

Natural and artificial stone

Some homeowners, when planning the design of the kitchen, prefer natural or artificial stone to ordinary ceramic tiles. This category of materials includes porcelain stoneware slabs, polished blocks made of natural rocks, gypsum or concrete tiles that imitate the texture and color scheme of natural stone. It should be noted that some of the options used to arrange the apron perform their functions perfectly, but some materials are not recommended.

For example, porcelain stoneware, large pebbles polished in natural conditions, as well as clinker tiles, have a number of positive qualities, fully complying with the requirements for materials for arranging an apron:

Resistance to high temperatures, as well as to their differences.
Moisture resistance - indicator moisture absorption is porcelain stoneware, 0.05%, clinker tiles 0.2÷0.3%. Therefore, natural stone, as well as fired and glazed clay, is not afraid of either steam or water.
The hygiene of the material, since it is easily cleaned, it does not create favorable conditions for the development of colonies of pathogenic bacteria.
The durability of the stone finish - it will serve smoothly until the hostess gets bored.
Aesthetic appearance allows you to use these materials in various style solutions.
Ecological purity of natural materials.

The few but important "cons" include the high price of these finishing materials, low maintainability, as well as the rather complicated installation of stone cladding.

But marble slabs - on the contrary, are not recommended to be used for decorating a kitchen apron, despite their external attractiveness. The external impression is deceptive, and marble is a very porous material, so it will absorb moisture, kitchen dirt, and odors. Under the influence of a complex of negative influences, the facing stone begins to collapse, and its appearance loses its presentability.

Prices for porcelain stoneware slabs

porcelain stoneware

Porcelain stoneware is an artificially created material from natural ingredients with the use of some additives, due to which its strength is many times higher than this parameter of natural granite. Porcelain stoneware is rarely used for facing an apron, since the price for it is quite high. In addition, the plates made from it have a very solid mass, which greatly complicates their laying on vertical surfaces. Therefore, most often when choosing this particular material for finishing, in the absence of experience, they do not carry out independent cladding - they trust its masonry to experienced craftsmen.

It looks very interesting on the wall such material as large pebbles that do not have sharp corners. If such a cladding is used, then the owners have the opportunity to hide the unevenness of the wall surface, since the stones are embedded in a concrete mortar or cement-based adhesive. Technology arranging an apron made of a round stone of this size- quite simple, and it is quite possible to do it yourself.

The process includes several steps:

- Cleaning the wall from the old cladding.

- Application of notches on the cleaned surface - so that the solution has increased adhesion to the surface.

- Processing, which will create good adhesion for materials, and protect the wall from fungal infection.

- Application, on the wall of the solution. It is best to use a ready-made adhesive used for laying tiles. The layer thickness should be about 10 mm.

- Stones are pressed into the solution applied to a small section of the wall, so that only one side of the laid fragment remains on the surface.

— The stones are stacked tightly to each other.

- When the mortar begins to set, its excess must be removed from the visible side of the stones with a damp sponge. The seams between them can be smoothed out with a rubber glove soaked in water.

- After the glue has completely hardened, the stone apron must be primed again.

- Then the apron is covered with a heat-resistant transparent or black varnish, which is used for painting metal furnaces.

- Varnish applied to pebbles will make its color more juicy, and will also significantly reduce the time it takes to clean it from trapped grease and kitchen fumes.

It should be noted that natural stone can have different color shades, but all of them are perfectly combined with each other. Due to such harmony, the apron will look aesthetically pleasing and original.

If desired, tiles imitating natural stone can also be used for lining the apron. This material is most often made of gypsum, which perfectly absorbs moisture. Therefore, when using such a material and striving to keep it in its original form for the longest possible time, it is recommended to impregnate the tile with a primer and then varnish it. In addition, it is best to protect the masonry from the hob with heat-resistant glass, which will be much easier to clean from greasy drops and fumes than artificial stone.

Glass kitchen aprons

A high-quality kitchen apron is often made of heat- and shock-resistant glass, which has large enough thickness. In recent years, glass has become increasingly popular for decorating the entire kitchen interior and splashback in particular. And this can be easily explained by the fact that this type of finish combines all the qualities that are necessary for the specifics of the kitchen.

The advantages of glass cladding include its following qualities:

Absolute moisture resistance of the material.
Ecological purity.
Heat resistance.
Inertness to temperature changes.
Elegant and effective appearance.
Variety of patterns and colors.
Hygienic material - it absolutely does not absorb odors, grease and dirt.
The ability to use the material in any from existing kitchen interior design styles.
The durability of the material, ate to protect it from a concentrated shock load.

The disadvantages of this material include its high cost and rather large weight, which greatly complicates the installation of the glass panel. In order for the work to be done correctly, and the apron was not damaged during its installation, it is recommended to entrust this process to specialists.

In addition, panels are most often made to order. At the same time, the master should be provided with the most accurate parameters of the product, as well as information about what material the wall of the house is built from - this is necessary to determine the type and attachment points of the apron. In the absence of correct data, during the installation work on the installation of a glass panel, considerable difficulties can arise.

Due to the fact that the aprons offered for sale are made of ordinary and tempered glass, this factor must be taken into account when choosing it. Products made from ordinary thick glass are less reliable, since the material can burst when heated to high temperatures. Tempered glass is designed specifically for high heat.

To ensure the complete safety of the working area, a glass apron is most often made from a single piece of glass, which also requires some skill during installation work.

Prices for kitchen aprons

kitchen apron

There are several different types of glass aprons according to the design solution:

Clear glass . This version of the backsplash is protective and is used to cover the decorative wall trim along the worktop. Thus, the wall cladding will be clearly visible, but protected from contamination. Glass, which has the necessary hardening, is easy enough to clean from any contaminants, except for burnt sugar. Using this version of the glass apron, the wall can be decorated with any material, even paper wallpaper you like.

The advantage of a transparent glass panel is that the cladding located behind the screen can be changed during the next cosmetic repairs, changing the style of the kitchen interior. To do this, the apron is temporarily dismantled, removing the fasteners, cleaning the wall of the old coating, then revetting the surface with new material. After that, the glass apron returns to its place. And again - the temporary dismantling and return of the panel to its place is best left to professionals.

If there is no desire or opportunity to install a glass transparent apron along the entire countertop, then you can fix it only near the hob, since most of the grease stains and fumes fall on the vertical surface of the wall during the heat treatment process. You can do the same in the area with a kitchen sink.

Apron made of frosted glass , which is often called satin, can also be used in combination with wall cladding. But the base finish in this approach should have a bright color so that the outlines of its patterns appear through the glass surface. The outlines will not be clearly visible, and thus the effect of soft blurring of the lines of objects depicted on the cladding will be created.

Such a kitchen apron looks quite original and aesthetically pleasing, therefore it is able to decorate any kitchen design option.

If the space between the glass and the wall allows, then small elements with a bright color can be placed in it, for example, artificial flowers or branches with a bright color. green or yellow leaves. In this case, discreet lighting will also be useful, which is able to highlight the contours of decorative objects.

It is best to turn the frosted side of the glass towards the wall, as it is very difficult to remove dirty stains and drops of any origin from it.

The cost of frosted glass is approximately twice the price of its transparent version.

Glass apron having one color. The color scheme may vary, be bright or "muted", pastel - these characteristics are selected depending on the desire of the customer and the intended design solution in the design of the kitchen. A single-color version of the apron, especially if it has a light color, will visually expand the space of the room, as part of its area and interior items will be reflected in its surface.

Decorating with color can be done using a film glued on the back of the glass or by coloring it. Moreover, the coloring is carried out using a special technology, which consists in applying special enamel to the glass, after which the panels are exposed to high temperatures, that is, the hardening process takes place. After this treatment, the glass becomes stronger and more durable. Colored tempered glass is otherwise called stemalite.

The disadvantage of this material is that all dirty and greasy drops will be clearly visible on it. Therefore, if you plan to maintain perfect cleanliness in the kitchen, then a single-color glass apron will have to be washed almost daily.

Illuminated glass aprons - This is a spectacular design of the kitchen space. To illuminate a film with a selected pattern or photo collage pasted on the back surface of the glass, LED devices are used that are specially designed for this purpose. They are embedded in profiles located at the top and bottom of the panel. Highlighting creates the effect of expanded space and becomes a decorative element that attracts the eye. At the same time, all other surfaces with kitchen accessories located on them remain in the background and are secondary.
In addition, it often creates particularly comfortable conditions for cooking by illuminating the countertop.

Naturally, this option, due to the installation of electrical appliances, will have a higher cost.

Glass aprons decorated with photo printing Yu. This option is one of the most popular, as it has a special aesthetics. And besides, many photos and drawings used to decorate the panels can visually expand the small space of the kitchen. The design technology of transparent panels consists in gluing a film onto the glass from the back, that is, the side of the film facing the wall, on which the selected image is applied using special equipment.

The advantages of this option include a variety of choices of drawings and photographs, as well as the possibility of highlighting such panels, which will make them even more decorative.

The disadvantage of panels with photo printing is that if they are accidentally damaged, you will have to change the entire composition completely. While when choosing a one-color option in a similar situation, the damaged part of the glass can often be cut out and replaced with a separate fragment of the same color.

Mirror glass apron can be arranged from large panels, mirror mosaic tiles, as well as medium-sized tiles with various shapes. The originality of this design is undeniable, but the mirror surface will have to be cleaned almost daily, just like transparent glass. Any pollution on it also gives a reflection, which exacerbates the effect of sloppiness.

In addition, the reflective surface can be called an “extreme” option, since not every person’s psyche is able to withstand a constantly moving image, which will be necessarily noticeable with peripheral vision.

However, due to the reflection in the mirror of the entire room, even a cramped kitchen will visually appear much larger than it really is.

Aprons made of plastic panels

Recently, special plastic panels have appeared in hardware stores designed to create a kitchen apron. They are usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Prices for plastic panels

plastic panels

On the market you can find panels that have one color, with a pattern or photograph printed on them, as well as imitating mosaic tiles. In their original form, the panels look quite attractive, and due to their low price, they attract increased attention from consumers. But it should be noted that this is often a misleading impression, since this material has many disadvantages when applied to kitchen conditions. However, it is quite suitable for those homeowners who are limited in funds or who often like to change the design of the premises of an apartment or house.

Plastic panels are produced in several forms. Firstly, it can be the special sheets mentioned above specifically for arranging an apron. Secondly, PVC lining can also act in this capacity, which many homeowners also use to decorate the wall of the working area. Whichever version of PVC products is chosen, it must be said that it will show itself over time, most likely not from the best side, simply because of its physical-operational characteristics.

To figure out why experts do not advise choosing plastic for installation in the kitchen, and especially in the area of \u200b\u200bthe desktop, stove and sink, it makes sense to take a closer look at their "pluses" and "minuses".

So, in favor PVC panels can be given the following arguments:

The material has the most affordable price of all named materials.
Plastic panels designed to decorate the apron can be solid, that is, not have seams.
Installation of PVC cladding is extremely simple, and any novice builder or the homeowner himself can handle it. There is nowhere easier - the cladding is most often glued to the wall on "liquid nails".
Plastic is easily cut with a regular clerical knife with replaceable blades. It will not be difficult in it, according to pre-made markings, to cut holes for an outlet or for removing cables and pipes.
A damaged panel can be easily replaced with a new one. To do this, when purchasing material, it makes sense to buy one extra product, since later you may not find the finish of the desired color and pattern. Moreover, the price allows you to have more than one spare panel - it would only be where to store them ...
All material is quite insignificant.
Plastic panels perfectly hide all the bumps and flaws in the wall. You can even hide an electric cable behind them, fixing it in the shtrab with the same “liquid nails”.
The pattern and color of the panels are quite stable, so they can be wet cleaned with soft sponges or cloth.
PVC is not afraid of moisture.
A variety of shapes and design solutions allow you to choose the option that suits your particular style.
PVC panels go well with transparent glass, which can be used for protection by installing in the area of \u200b\u200bthe hob, as well as the sink, so that splashes do not leave marks on the surface of the finish.

To the moments in which PVC panels lose most finishing materials include:

A very short period of operation, which in the best case is no more than five years. Although some manufacturers report ten years to customers, it must be taken into account that the appearance of the material after the first few years of operation in the kitchen becomes very unpresentable and differs significantly from new panels.
The material significantly loses to "competitors" even in its original state. It should be noted that in the photo in the brochures, the panels look much better than in life. “As far as they look and cost, they are so durable” - honest sellers of this product often say so.
Any PVC panels are not recommended to be installed near the hob without heat-resistant glass protection. Everything is very simple - when heated above a temperature of 70 ÷ 80 degrees (and this is quite a bit), they simply deform.
Plastic is not a strong enough material, and it can be mechanically damaged simply by careless movement.
The paint and pattern can be easily removed if hard brushes or detergents containing abrasive additives are used when cleaning the panels.
Due to the fact that the panels do not adhere tightly to the wall surface, very favorable conditions are created in this gap for the formation of mold colonies, especially in the washing area.
If separate panels are used for finishing, and not a solid sheet, then when exposed to moisture, their edges may simply begin to peel off the wall.
When heated (and in the kitchen this is inevitable), the material can emit fumes that are not useful for humans and the environment into the surrounding air.
Plastic absorbs both odors and greasy fumes. Over time, an indelible yellowness may appear on it.

Knowing all the “pro” and “contra” arguments regarding PVC panels in terms of their use on a kitchen backsplash, you can easily draw conclusions for yourself whether you personally need such a finish.

Steel kitchen aprons

The arrangement of a kitchen apron with steel embossed sheets can be found infrequently. The cost of such a finish is quite high, and, frankly, not all housewives like it. However, it should be noted right away that such an apron goes well with the hob and other stainless steel kitchen accessories.

Many people think that steel surfaces are only suitable for modern minimalist, techno or high-tech styles. This is not entirely true, and the illustration below can serve as proof of this. Steel panels for aprons can have various embossed patterns that can be selected in accordance with the chosen design style of the kitchen.

If desired, steel surfaces can be inscribed in different styles by associating them with some furniture and decorative accessories for decorating the room. In addition, this material has excellent performance characteristics that fully meet the requirements for finishing in a kitchen.

The material is not afraid of high temperatures, does not deform and does not burn out.
Steel does not absorb any substances that can get on the apron during cooking, does not accumulate odors.
The panels are easy to clean with water, with or without household chemicals.
The material is inert to moisture. Getting on the apron, the drops just flow down.
Steel sheets have high strength, so it is quite difficult to damage the cladding by negligence.
On the surface of steel panels with regular care, a favorable environment for pathogenic bacteria or mold will never be created.
Perhaps, according to many, the steel surface cannot be called aesthetic enough, but its appearance cannot be reproached for carelessness.

disadvantages steel panels can be called the following factors:

Apron, this material must not be cleaned metal kitchentough washcloths, as you can scratch the surface. It is also not recommended to use detergents containing abrasive components to clean polished stainless steel.
High price for steel panels.

MDF panels as a kitchen apron

MDF panels are widely used in the design of kitchen interiors. But you should better understand how they are suitable for arranging a kitchen apron.

This type of material imitates natural wood and looks quite presentable on the wall, especially when they are in harmony with other surfaces and room accessories. The panels are suitable for almost any style - it is only important to choose the right color shade.

Like all materials, MDF has its positive and negative sides, which you must be aware of when deciding to design an apron in the kitchen with these panels.

Prices for MDF panels

mdf panels

So to virtues This material has the following properties:

Material strength. It is very difficult to violate the integrity of the panel by accident, as they are not afraid of mechanical stress.
If the panels are carefully cleaned every day, then caring for them will not become burdensome.
The surface of the material has a good resistance to moisture.
Easy to install panels on the wall.
With proper use of MDF and in the absence of any emergency circumstances, the finish will last for many years.

The disadvantages of this cladding include the following points:

MDF panels cannot be called a completely environmentally friendly material, since most manufacturers use formaldehyde resins in its manufacture, which emit fumes throughout the entire period of operation of the finish. Such secretions are especially active when the material is heated, and it is almost impossible to avoid this in the kitchen.
MDF boards have a fairly high degree of flammability, so they require additional protection from the high temperatures that inevitably occur near the hob.
MDF is made from compressed cellulose fibres. Therefore, if moisture gets on the end of the panels that is not protected by a special film, the material may begin to warp and delaminate. In addition, in the humid environment of wood, a favorable environment for the appearance of mold or fungus is quite capable of creating. This often leads to the appearance of whole affected foci, which begin to spread to other areas of decoration.
MDF is not recommended to be cleaned with a hard metal brush, as stripes are bound to remain on the surface of the material.
Acrylic-coated panels are more resistant to external influences, however, and they quickly lose their original appearance.

Find out, with a step-by-step guide, from our new article on our portal.

Summing up the characteristics of this cladding, we can conclude that it is not the best option for arranging an apron. However, if there is a desire and financial opportunity to change the finish to a more reliable one at any time, then you can try to veneer the MDF wall along the working area.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the apron is equipped not only from finished panels, tiles or stone. Some craftsmen prefer to get creative with this process and use improvised materials. For example, bottle caps made of natural material or ordinary plastic of different colors are used, which are embedded on the wall into the solution. In general, if you want to save money, fantasy often turns on, and if there are no problems with finances, then the material for the apron can be easily picked up at a hardware store. At the same time, it is important to take into account all the recommendations, take into account the characteristics of the finish, which must meet the criteria presented above.

At the end of the publication, we suggest watching an interesting video review with examples of kitchen aprons from various materials. Perhaps this will help you make the right choice.

Video: Kitchen apron - a key area for finishing the room

On the other hand, it performs a purely aesthetic function.

Apron coatings on the market today are quite diverse both in terms of functionality and price. The most traditional material ceramic tile. She is durable, not afraid of water and high temperature, does not absorb odor and can be easily washed off any stains en. A variety of designs and a wide color palette allow you to decorate the interior of the kitchen in absolutely any style and make the apron the highlight of the program.

However, for laying ceramics, absolutely smooth walls, great experience with tiles or a fair amount for the work of the master. In a word, the pleasure is expensive, although durable. By the way, instead of large tiles, you can stick small mosaic squares. All the difference between these types of aprons is in the size and in the fact that the mosaic allows you to lay out patterns in accordance with your own imagination.

Cheaper and faster option plastic panels. In terms of properties, they are in no way inferior to ceramics. Resistant to moisture and tolerate temperatures up to 100 degrees, do not absorb odors and fungus does not start on them, easy to clean and easy to install. If the wall is even, then the plates can be glued to liquid nails. If there are significant flaws, then a crate is first made of wooden bars.

Of the minuses - plastic does not tolerate mechanical stress. It can be easily scratch or break. He also reacts badly. on aboutshopping malldug flame (if you have a gas stove) and sunlight (may burn out).

Laminated MDF panels authentically imitate natural walls made of wood or stone. On the one hand, captivating ease of installation, resistance to moisture and temperature extremes, and on the other - flammability and ease of damage. So it cannot be installed near the stove and scratched with a knife or fork - it will not stand it.

glass apron appeared relatively recently, but has already found fans. Among the pluses – strength, wide range of colors and a variety of patterns with different effects, as well as stabilitytofire, moisture and pollution. If you do not use hard abrasive washcloths, such an apron will remain in its original form for many years.

Among the cons - high cost, the need “on the shore” to think over and cut out places for sockets and fixtures (after installation it will be physically impossible), as well as extremely careful preparation of the walls and sealing all seams so that water and dirt do not get there. Otherwise, the appearance of mold will not be avoided. b.

In addition to choosing the material for the apron, it is important to consider a few more rules.

* First - He must harmonize in color or texture with the entire kitchen.

* Second - better choose calm colors especially in small rooms, as the eyes get tired very quickly from colorful tones.

* Third - in order to visually expand the kitchen, you should choose an apron with horizontal stripes. A mirror or glass model will also help with this. However, they will have to be washed frequently, because every speck is perfectly visible on such a surface.

* Fourth -ceramic tiles must be bought with a margin of 10 percent, since the part will go to the trim. And finally, the fifth: the color of the apron must be selected after the furniture has been selected and the range of the floor, walls and ceiling has been determined. It can either harmonize or be in contrast or overlap in color with individual details in the interior (curtains, lamps, upholstery on chairs or a sofa, etc.).

Sourced from www.ukuhnya.com

The current market of finishing materials opens up many possibilities for designing a kitchen space. When choosing materials for decoration, the owners of houses and apartments prefer the most convenient and durable materials that have excellent aesthetic properties. Most often, they face the following question: what is better to choose, or tiles, since it is these materials that have been preserved in excellent condition for many years. Each type of finish has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered when making your choice.

Advantages and disadvantages skinali

Glass kitchen aprons appeared not so long ago, but immediately became one of the most popular finishing materials. This is due to a number of their advantages:

skinals can be made with various patterns, have many storylines, so they can be used in rooms whose interior is decorated in almost any style;
glass panels do not have seams that are prone to rapid contamination and become a hotbed of mold;
kitchen glass aprons are practical, since they are easily cleaned from various contaminants by any specialized means, and at the same time do not lose their aesthetic properties;
skinals are made of glass of the highest strength, due to which they are resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage.
a well-chosen kitchen glass apron will be combined with any furniture, harmoniously complementing the decor.

Advantages and disadvantages of tiles

Ceramic tiles can be called a traditional material, which used to be most often used in the design of the kitchen space. It is used for finishing walls and floors in the kitchen. The material is offered in a wide variety, which allows you to choose the most suitable option for a particular interior. The tile has a number of other important advantages:

the richness of shades and textures of the tiles offered on the market allows you to choose the most appropriate style for the design of the premises;
tiles are easy to clean from dirt;
the material is resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage;
tiles can be of different sizes, which opens up great opportunities for creating an original finish for the kitchen space.

The main disadvantage of tiles is the difficulty in laying them. When purchasing material, the owner of the premises will have to spend time looking for craftsmen who will carry out quality work. If you entrust the laying of the material to inexperienced people, this can cause a quick destruction of the finish due to improperly selected glue or the formation of large joint seams, which will disrupt the aesthetics of the design. Also, the disadvantages of tiles include demanding care.

What to choose for your kitchen

Every owner of a house or apartment wants to have a kitchen with an original impressive design. That is why many people decide to buy skinali to finish the walls above the kitchen work area. Glass panels with original colors or a unique pattern will effectively complement the interior or even become its highlight. Having made a decision, you can be sure that the design of the room will have a beautiful look, similar to the development of an experienced designer, which will not go unnoticed by your guests.

Usually custom-made skinals are installed by the company that created them. This is exactly the approach provided by our company Skinali-Fresh, creating and installing them. Installation of panels is carried out quickly, does not lead to severe pollution of the room, so it can be carried out even after the repair is completed.

Order glass skinali

For several years now, the company skinalifresh successfully engaged in the production of glass products to order.

Reading 8 min.

The kitchen apron is noted by designers as a rather complex element, which, if chosen incorrectly, can spoil the look of the most stylish facade, and if chosen well, even the simplest set will be spectacular.

In order not to make a mistake when choosing an apron, designers usually collect pieces of materials used in the decoration of the kitchen (wallpaper, flooring, countertops) and only on their basis begin to select an apron. Today, the construction market offers a huge selection of building materials for making a kitchen apron. Therefore, it is very difficult to figure out which type of apron to choose.

Designers pay a lot of attention to this topic and consider the most amazing options for choosing an apron. Therefore, we will devote this article to the choice of apron material and the nuances that affect its selection.

What you need to know when choosing an apron?

Before proceeding with the choice of an apron, you should decide on its size and height. As a rule, the height of the apron is 60 cm. This height is the best option, as it suits people with both tall and medium height.

But if the owners of the apartment are low, the apron is made 45 - 55 cm in height. Designers are also advised to lower the height of the apron if the upper doors in the headset open up.

If there are no wall cabinets in the headset (or there are few of them), then the apron can be made standard in height, or it can be made too high. So, its height can in some cases reach the ceiling or occupy ¾ of the wall.

If desired, the apron area can be raised above the hood. If a niche is arranged in the area of \u200b\u200bthe working area, then it must be lined.

The choice of apron is carried out taking into account the following nuances

1. The apron should harmoniously fit into the interior of the kitchen.

2. Excessive brightness is not desirable, eyes get tired of it. Therefore, it is better to give preference to moderate tones.

3. To enhance saturation, you can resort to a glossy finish, as a matte surface will make the apron more pale.

4. When choosing an apron with a print, you should remember that large images in small rooms look bulky, and in too spacious kitchens they will turn out to be nondescript.

5. In order for the apron to visually expand the kitchen, it should be done with horizontal lines.

6. You can visually enlarge the kitchen space with the help of a mirror and glass apron. But here it should be remembered that stains and any kind of pollution are strongly visible on it.

7. When choosing a tile for an apron, it is worth giving preference to a square tile (10x10; 20x20). Its appearance is more aesthetic, although its installation is somewhat more expensive than rectangular tiles.

9. Apron tiles should be bought with a margin (it should be bought 10% more than actually needed).

10. It is easiest to care for an apron with a smooth surface without reliefs, since dirt will collect in any irregularities in the apron.

What material can be used to make an apron for the kitchen?

Considering the fact that the apron area is the most visible and most quickly polluted surface, very high demands are always placed on it.
The apron must be well washed, withstand temperature extremes, and be resistant to chemical care products. Consider below what materials the modern market offers us for an apron device.

Ceramic tile

This is the most practical finishing material that is easy to clean, resistant to water, chemicals and temperature extremes. Ceramic tiles are fire-resistant and durable, it is especially recommended to lay them out in those kitchens where there is a gas stove.

Also, the advantage of the tile is the ability to apply photo printing on it. The variety of colors, decors and different panels allows you to create unique combinations.

The disadvantages include the complexity of its installation and the cost of accompanying work: surface preparation, gluing and grouting tiles. In comparison with the device for finishing MDF and plastic, finishing the wall with a ceramic tile backsplash will cost the kitchen hostess much more.

When choosing a ceramic tile for an apron, you should be aware that light seams get dirty quickly, so it is better to choose a darkened grout. It is also important to remember that smooth matte tiles are easier to clean than glossy ones.

In order for the seams to retain their attractive appearance longer, it is worth using a waterproof grout.

Mosaic

This is quite a rich and spectacular finish. With proper selection, you can make unique combinations of mosaics with floors and walls, match furniture and any item in the interior.

Its characteristics are similar to ceramic tiles. A mosaic apron is good because it will last for many years.

The negative aspects of the mosaic finish include the complexity of its design and a large number of seams. In the kitchen, the seams can quickly become dirty, darken and poorly washed. Therefore, experts recommend using epoxy grout.

The device of a mosaic apron, in comparison with ceramic, will cost more. To reduce the cost of the project, you can use tiles "under the mosaic".

Glass

Glass apron is a new design trend that has gained popularity due to its originality. An important feature of such an apron is the ability to apply a variety of images under glass.

The disadvantage of glass is that it is not suitable for every interior. In addition, water splashes and grease stains are clearly visible on the glass. Therefore, the hostess will have to spend a lot of time laundering the apron. Not happy here and the price. It is much higher than ceramic tiles and MDF panels.

Plastic

An apron made of plastic panels is one of the cheapest options, it is installed quickly and easily. But compared to other options, plastic can easily catch fire from fire, deform from chemical cleaners and temperature changes.

It can also be easily scratched under mechanical stress. Some types of plastic can release toxic substances into the atmosphere.

Today, a double-sided plastic panel is offered for sale. It is installed in special profiles, which makes it possible to replace it yourself at any time.

MDF panels

The MDF apron is one of the cheapest finishes. It installs easily and quickly. In many stores, when buying a kitchen and MDF panels, they offer free installation.

At the same time, the fastening of the panels is not difficult, so installation can even be done independently.

An important advantage of MDF panels is their easy dismantling and easy selection. As a rule, the color of such an apron is chosen to match the color of the countertop.

The negative side of the MDF apron is its instability to water and household chemicals. MDF apron is highly flammable and emits harmful substances during combustion. Connoisseurs of expensive kitchen interiors are unlikely to appreciate such a finish.

What color to choose an apron for the kitchen?

There are a number of principles for choosing the color of an apron, we will consider them in detail. By itself, the color of the apron is not oriented to anything and looks like an independent element. This option is possible in a monochrome kitchen. For example, against the background of a white headset and white walls, the apron is made in bright colors in a combination of red, white, yellow, and blue tones.

Partial combination with the facade of the kitchen set

This maneuver looks beautiful when the cooking zone in the hood area is highlighted with the color of the facade. In this case, the rest of the apron will be made in a neutral color.

Principle of opposites

For example, the kitchen background is formed from two colors: white and black, matte and glossy. In this case, a black glossy apron is selected for a white matte headset. At the same time, the ceiling is made in white, and the walls and floor are made in dark color.

Matching with furniture

The kitchen environment always wins when a combination of objects is observed. For example: the blue color of the kitchen apron echoes the blue upholstery of chairs (or a blue vase).

Combination with flooring

Against the backdrop of a calm tone, the combination of an apron with a tiled floor will bring its accent to the kitchen interior. Curtains can also be connected to the tone of a given combination.

In the same tone with the walls

This technique can be used in a studio apartment, where the walls of the living room remain the main area.

Same color as kitchen set

This option allows you to give the headset a look of integrity and lightness. But if the walls are made in a certain tone, then this tone should be included in the color of the apron. For example, the seams are overwritten in the color of the walls.

There are two colors in the kitchen

If the kitchen is two-tone, then the apron should be done in an intermediate shade between the floor and walls. That is, it must be made lighter than the floor, but darker than the walls.

Transfer the color of the floor to the wall (apron)

A holistic composition looks like a floor, an apron and a countertop, made in the same color.

Apron to match the tabletop

This is an ideal option for which you no longer need to select anything.

How to choose an apron for a small kitchen?

Considering the different options for kitchen aprons, there are some points that should be considered when choosing an apron for a small kitchen.

Considering that space is limited in a small kitchen, for its visual expansion it is necessary to use light colors, where a light set will give a complete picture with a light apron.

Also, mirror surfaces will help to visually expand the space. However, it should be remembered here that the presence of small objects reflected in the mirror surface can form a feeling of clutter.

You should not arrange an apron with large drawings, patterns and photo printing in a small space. Such elements will make the design of the room heavier. In this case, a small unobtrusive pattern will be harmonious. An apron containing horizontal stripes in the pattern will visually lengthen the room.

A combination of two contrasting colors (for example, white and black) is not acceptable for a small space. This combination will visually reduce the kitchen space and make it cluttered.