What are the finishing options?
Consider the most common options for finishing an apron in the kitchen and explore the strengths and weaknesses of each type.
Ceramic tile
It is a popular and traditional solution for apron decoration.
pros | Minuses |
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An inexpensive, waterproof and fireproof finish that is easy to clean and has a long service life.
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Tile joints become dirty and absorb moisture. Therefore, it may be necessary to renew the grout. |
It goes well with other cladding and can be used to decorate the entire wall surface. |
Laying tiles requires certain skills or specialist help. |
Ceramics imitate different textures in the form of wood, leather, marble or granite. |
Tiled finishes are distinguished by a variety of textures and colors. This material allows you to decorate the apron with different plots, inserts or colorful mosaic panels that can satisfy the most fastidious housewife.
Matte, glossy, plain, smooth, embossed ceramics or photo tiles with patterns harmoniously complement any kitchen design and make it more complete.
A rock
The material can be natural, artificial or presented in the form of blocks of porcelain stoneware, concrete and plaster tiles, or bricks.
pros | Minuses |
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The natural finish is very durable, withstands any temperature extremes, calmly tolerates the effects of steam and water. |
Has a rather complex installation technology. |
The stone has a hygienic surface on which harmful bacteria do not grow. | Natural marble finishes quickly get dirty, absorb grease and can lose their shine over time. |
The artificial material is easier to clean and allows you to create a seamless apron surface. | Refers to a high price category. |
Despite some drawbacks, the marble apron has high decorative qualities, giving the kitchen an expensive and status look. This cladding has a delicate and translucent texture.
The most common solution is a concrete-based stone. Thanks to the rich and catchy surface, the apron area will look spectacular.
MDF or chipboard
Due to their affordable cost and easy installation, such products are in high demand.
pros | Minuses |
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They are considered budget materials that you can install yourself without the help of professionals. |
Due to the ingress of moisture, the structure of the material begins to deteriorate over time. |
The high flammability of the panels makes them highly flammable. | |
Easy to clean and suitable for unaligned cladding. | Pressed wood is subject to mechanical stress, so scratches gradually appear on the surface. |
Chipboard and MDF panels provide an opportunity to arrange an apron in the color of a wood or stone countertop. Due to their versatility, these products can complement the interior of any kitchen.
Metal
The best option for an apron is an affordable stainless steel or more expensive copper coating. The metal sheet forms a seamless plane, due to which the work area in the kitchen takes on a monolithic look.
pros | Minuses |
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Withstands high temperatures and is difficult to mechanical damage. |
The apron must not be cleaned with abrasive products or hard metal brushes, as they will scratch the surface. |
The metal does not absorb dirt, so there are no stains or traces of grease on the surface. | |
Easy to clean and water repellent. | |
Combines harmoniously with steel appliances and decor. |
The metallic finish of the apron fits perfectly into the industrial, futuristic or minimalistic kitchen design. The steel texture gives the atmosphere a certain severity, formality and, at the same time, showiness.
Glass
Neutral, muted, or bright glass apron uniquely renews the interior of the kitchen and makes it sparkle with new colors.
Dignity | disadvantages |
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Environmentally friendly material. |
Expensive price and the need for an individual order in size.
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Special tempered glass is fireproof, durable, resistant to temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet rays.
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It repels various contaminants and can be easily cleaned using any means and abrasive powders. |
Skinali can be decorated with images in the form of sunrises, sunsets, landscapes, geometric patterns and more. Beautiful photo printing will add originality and interest to the kitchen.
Plastic
They represent a cheap category of materials that are used for temporary kitchen renovations.
Benefits | disadvantages |
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It is relatively inexpensive and has a wide color spectrum. |
Over time, it begins to fade and fade from exposure to sunlight. |
PVC panels can be assembled with your own hands. | Are susceptible to deformation and burning. |
They are water resistant and easy to clean. | Poor quality materials can heat up and release toxic substances. |
Plastic apron suitable for photo printing and can simulate different textures. Thanks to the extensive color palette in dazzling white, gold, metallic, muted pastel or neon tones, it turns out to achieve a perfect design of the work area in the kitchen.
Wood
For finishing the apron, choose solid wood species with natural patterns, rings and stains, or use lining in the form of small planks.
Dignity | disadvantages |
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Lightweight material with a relatively low price and the possibility of self-assembly. |
Low moisture resistant qualities, due to which the tree requires additional coating with the help of special compounds. |
A wooden apron is difficult to clean from dirt. |
Wood can be protected with impregnations, varnishes, tint and tinting agents. However, the treated surface becomes highly flammable.
Wallpaper
The most affordable option for facing an apron, offering a huge selection of products that can be selected for a kitchen in any style.
Benefits | disadvantages |
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A wide variety of colors, patterns and designs. | Impractical, absorbs odors. |
Some models are moisture resistant. | They are easily exposed to mechanical damage. |
In order for ordinary paper canvases to retain their aesthetic appearance for a long time, it is advisable to cover them with a special protective glass.
Self-adhesive film
Provides the opportunity to effortlessly transform the kitchen and add uniqueness and originality to it.
Benefits | disadvantages |
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You can glue it yourself, the process does not take a lot of time. |
Suitable for gluing only on a perfectly aligned plane. |
After dismantling, no traces remain. |
Inexpensive products are less practical. |
Thanks to special processing, they are not afraid of moisture, steam and grease. |
May tear when glued. |
Easy to clean. |
Since the film is considered to be vapor-proof, the surface under the product does not breathe.
Slate
This design solution will appeal to creative people. Slate apron is suitable for writing motivational messages, various messages or just grocery lists.
Benefits | disadvantages |
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Cleaned with a cloth or sponge. |
Dislikes cleaning with hard brushes and abrasives. |
Easily assembled with your own hands and dries quickly. |
Crayons will scratch the surface over time. |
Such a coating is wear-resistant, durable, fireproof and environmentally friendly. |
A black slate apron does not always fit a certain kitchen interior. |
Comparison table of materials for an apron in the kitchen
Comparison of the characteristics of several facing materials.
Material | Ceramic tile | A rock | MDF or chipboard | Glass | Plastic |
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Price | Average price category. | High price category | Have a low price. | High price category. | Has a very low price. |
Durability | from 15 to 20 years old. | from 15 to 20 years old. | from 3 to 5 years old. | from 5 to 7 years old. | from 1 to 2 years. |
Moisture resistance | High level. | Excellent level. | Average level. | Excellent level. | Low level. (depends on installation work) |
Environmental friendliness | Eco-friendly. | Eco-friendly. | Depends on operating conditions. | Eco-friendly. | Depends on operating conditions. |
Care | Difficulty taking care of the seams. | Simple. | Simple. | Simple. Some contamination is noticeable. | Simple. |
Installation | Complicated. | Complicated. | Plain. | Complicated. | Plain. |
Design | Variety in color, pattern and shape. | Suitable for a limited number of styles. | Use of any color, photo printing. | Application of any picture and photo, use of 3D effects. | Use of any color, photo printing. |
What size should I choose?
The size depends on the size of the kitchen. Basically, the working area is formed along the entire length of the kitchen set. They also allow partial finishing of the apron only in problem areas next to the sink or stove.
Standard apron height is about 50 or 60 centimeters... Individual parameters will depend on the growth of household members and on how to arrange the top cabinets, headset, and so on.
The right solution would be to finish the whole wall. It is also possible for the apron to go slightly under the upper and lower cabinets of the kitchen set.
How to choose the right color?
Dark colors are considered the most impractical options for the kitchen, since dirt is most visible. For a kitchen in neutral colors, it is better to opt for a bright apron or a covering with variegated patterns.
A kitchen space in a romantic classic or Provencal style will be perfectly complemented by a light finish that will merge with the set and create a delicate and sophisticated atmosphere in the room. Natural beige, gray or light brown colors look beautiful.
To create an original apron in the kitchen, choose a rich pink or red design that fills the room with warmth and comfort. A blue, light blue or turquoise finish will significantly refresh the space, green and emerald cladding will create a calm atmosphere, and yellow and orange materials will bring a sunny mood to the room.
Examples of stylish design
A mirrored apron is distinguished by a stylish and unusual design. Despite their luxurious appearance, mirrors are not very often used for cladding the working segment. The kitchen interior with a faceted mirror sheet looks really impressive.
To create an original apron design, you can use the built-in lighting. Such a solution not only attracts attention and gives expressiveness to the design, but also visually increases the area of the kitchen due to additional lighting.
Popular enough is design with flowers... The surface of the apron, decorated with daisies, sunflowers, orchids or roses, adds a special sophistication to the kitchen setting.
The ideal option is organic tile hog... The universal finish blends harmoniously into any interior solution and does not create problematic maintenance.
In addition to the standard apron design, various creative ideas can be brought to life. For example, use available materials for cladding in the form of crockery or tile shards, sea pebbles, wine corks, metal lids and others.
For a small kitchen, a mirror or glossy apron in muted colors is selected in combination with light furniture fronts. This will give the atmosphere some integrity.
It is not recommended to trim the apron area with materials with a large contrasting pattern or eye-catching photo printing. This design will make the kitchen even heavier. A cladding with small unobtrusive patterns or horizontal stripes will look much more harmonious.
Thanks to materials with high decorative properties, the design of the kitchen backsplash acquires an original and unique appearance. Below are examples of beautiful kitchens with modern aprons in the interior of apartments and houses.