Pros and cons
Like any solution, a matte kitchen has its advantages and disadvantages. Evaluate both sides of the coin to make the right decision.
Advantages of matte facades:
- Elegant modern look. Meets all the requirements for stylish kitchen design.
- Resistant to dirt. Fingerprints and other stains on a matte surface are less noticeable, making a matte finish more practical.
- Ease of maintenance. Cleaning, unlike glossy surfaces, is also more convenient and easier, although in the end it all depends on the material.
- No glare. By absorbing light, the overall look of the kitchen interior becomes more comfortable.
- UV resistant. Whatever the headset with matte facades is made of, it, unlike gloss, is not afraid of the sun and does not fade.
- A large assortment. There is both an economy and a premium segment: therefore, you can find furniture for every taste and budget.
Important! If you follow the rules of care, scratches and scuffs will never appear on the surface.
Cons of matte kitchens:
- Frequent cleaning. Due to small roughness, matte facades become covered with dust faster and absorb more dirt.
- Visual reduction in space. Light absorption will make the room appear smaller than it is.
- Requirements for detergents. No abrasives - only soft, preferably special liquids and sponges.
- Narrow color palette. Although there are not so few shades of matte furniture, there are still fewer options compared to gloss.
How do matte headsets look in different colors?
Choosing from a variety of matte kitchen colors, one or a pair - be careful with dark shades. We have already mentioned that matte facades themselves absorb light and visually reduce the area of the room. A dark color scheme will only aggravate this effect, so it is not recommended to use it in small kitchens.
A matte white kitchen will look great on any area, but it has one big drawback: it requires frequent washing. To avoid this, give preference to mixed light colors: creamy, cream, beige, light gray, ivory.
If space permits, order a dark matte kitchen in black or slate shades. The combination of a smooth finish with a deep muted tone looks noble and very stylish, but be prepared for constant maintenance of your kitchen.
On such matte facades, any splashes, smudges, fingerprints and other traces of dirt are visible - therefore, there is no need to talk about practicality.
Fortunately, there are no rules prohibiting making matte kitchens two-tone: in this case, we recommend making the lower tier dark, and the upper tier light. If there are three "floors" - make the central one white or beige and sink inward, and the extreme ones - dark or colored.Another option is to make one of the tiers imitating a tree, and the other colored.
In addition to monochrome designs, there is a wide selection of colored matte kitchens. Modern trends insist on creating a natural atmosphere and using natural shades: pistachio, lavender, dirty pink, muted yellow. For those who are ready to experiment, manufacturers offer bright contrasting solutions: blue, lemon, herbal.
In color variations, there are also deep undertones: indigo, burgundy, emerald. They look very noble and blend beautifully with the white facades of the upper level.
Design features
Let's go back to the main difference between a matte kitchen: light absorption. This nuance is especially important to take into account in a small kitchen: if matte facades for the kitchen are a matter of principle, choose the lightest palette possible, it is desirable to arrange it in the same tone as the background - wall decoration. This design technique allows you to "dissolve" furniture of any size in the room.
Advice! In small spaces, give preference to the straight headset to the ceiling, instead of angular. They have approximately the same capacity, but the first will help save a lot of space.
For rooms with high (more than 3 meters) ceilings, it is also better to order recessed models up to the ceiling. The more space is occupied vertically, the more habitable the space seems.
With regard to external types of facades, there are several options:
- Straight and smooth. Classics of the genre, suitable for kitchens in the style of minimalism, loft, scandi, modern. Looks modern, easy to clean.
- Milled. Usually used in classic or Scandinavian designs. When ordering, remember: the more complex the pattern, the harder it will be to care for a matte kitchen.
- With glass. Separate top cabinets can be decorated with glass inserts. It is also desirable to choose frosted glass.
After choosing the color and type of facades, do not forget about countertop... Wood is considered a classic, it is advisable to choose natural boards covered with oil or wax. A matte countertop in color will look great (if the furniture is two-tone, make the lid to match the color of the upper drawers). An equally spectacular option: a glossy worktop in color. Gloss black combined with matt black, for example, looks very catchy.
Lightingrequires special attention: since a surface, especially a dark one, absorbs light, there must be a lot of it. Ceiling lamps above the work surface, LED strip above the apron, additional sconces or central chandelier - all this will help create the effect of a bright, uncluttered room.
Another point to consider: facade material... The appearance, durability and ease of maintenance of a matte kitchen depend on this.
- Chipboard. The lowest price. But they are afraid of water and are easily damaged during operation.
- MDF. Medium price segment. The option when it is really worth overpaying: MDF will last for many years, will delight you with easy care and a spectacular appearance.
- Wood. An expensive option. The tree is durable, but to achieve a matte surface, it is covered with paint - therefore, in this case, the overpayment is not justified.
How to care?
Kitchens with rough surfaces require special, but uncomplicated care. To avoid damaging the coating, follow these proven tips:
- Do not use hard brushes or abrasive sponges, only soft microfiber or cotton cloths.
- Avoid using alcohol-based cleaners as they will dull the surface.
- Wipe the fronts as often as possible using a clean, damp cloth. The deeper the fat is absorbed, the more difficult it will be to wipe it off.
- Wipe the doors dry immediately, this will prolong their life.
- To remove greasy or stubborn stains, use a soapy solution (regular soap or dishwashing detergent will do). But the foam should be removed immediately!
- Try any new means first in the most inconspicuous place.
Important! Substances that should not be in the composition of detergents: alcohol, chlorine, sodium, acid, alkali, methyl, propyl. Also, do not use folk remedies: soda, salt, toothpaste, vinegar.
Real photos in the interior
Matte kitchens suit different interior styles, but each requires a different design and color.
- Classic style. Smooth or milled facades, light warm palette: cream, ivory, cream, milk, coffee. The fittings are as neutral and discreet as possible. Table top, preferably made of stone or imitating it.
- Provence. Painted facades of pastel shades are best suited: lavender, pistachio, crème brulee. The design of the doors can be blind with milling, or with inserts: glass, grilles. Complete with a wooden worktop and matching textiles.
- Loft. The main difference is the dark tones. Black or graphite combined with brick walls and dark brushed wood (ideal for countertops) looks extremely suitable. Facades are minimalistic, preferably smooth and straight.
- Scandi. There are several options, but the colors are the same: white or gray. The doors can be straight or decorated with milling. A wooden tabletop and a cozy functional decor on it will help to complete the picture.
- High tech. Straight shapes, smooth fronts without handlesmuted shades. The palette can be light, but dark models look best. Can be combined with a glossy countertop, be sure to add a lot of lights.
Photo gallery
If a matte headset is your dream, do not be afraid of the difficulties in cleaning or the effect of reducing the space! Approach his choice competently so that the furniture will delight you for more than one year.