How to choose a practical and stylish apron for the kitchen?

Smooth aprons made of ceramic tiles and tempered glass cope best with their main task. More interesting in terms of design, but less practical are types made of stainless steel, plastic, wood, and natural stone. We suggest studying the comparative characteristics of different aprons to decide which one is better to choose.

Main selection criteria

Many people choose an apron for the kitchen only based on external features - whether it corresponds to modern trends, whether it matches the kitchen set, whether they like it or not. However, it is more correct to start considering the types of aprons from the materials from which they are made. The color and shape can be selected later. Fortunately, today technologies make it possible to apply all kinds of prints, photo printing, gold plating, imitate stone, play with colors, etc. on almost any material.

The main criteria for choosing an apron for the kitchen are wear resistance and ease of maintenance. It is more practical to choose a material with the following characteristics:

• smooth, without any depressions in which dirt can accumulate;
• shockproof;
• moisture resistant, non-porous;
• resistant to temperature changes;
• easy to clean, resistant to cleaning agents (does not scratch, does not fade).

In addition, a high-quality apron should have a minimum of joints. It's even better if it's made from a solid slab. If tiles are selected, moisture-resistant grout must be used. To seal the seams, special borders are used, which are placed on moisture-resistant silicone or sealant.

Top 5 types of aprons

The most popular today are kitchen aprons made of glass (skinali), artificial stone, plastic and MDF. Also, the classic – ceramic tiles – never goes out of fashion. All types are good in their own way. To understand which one best suits personal preferences and financial capabilities, we suggest studying the comparative characteristics.

Glass

The kitchen apron is made of tempered glass - it is very durable and easy to clean. With its help you can implement almost any design solution. For example, using transparent glass, emphasize the beauty of wall decoration, or place decorative film with photo printing, dried flowers, or children's drawings between two glasses. For finishing you can choose frosted glass, textured, colored and even mirrored. There are plenty of options.

Advantages of a glass apron:

• has an aesthetic appearance;
• many design variations;
• hygienic;
• durable,
• lasting;
• heat resistant.

Flaws:

• easily soiled;
• expensive;
• relatively fragile.

MDF apron

A budget option, but at the same time quite practical. An MDF (medium density fibreboard) backsplash is often included with kitchen units. You can also choose it separately; the product is quickly manufactured and easy to install.There are also many color variations: stone finishes, mosaics, tiles, drawings, photo printing, etc.

Advantages of MDF apron for the kitchen:

• low price;
• easy installation and dismantling;
• quite moisture resistant and durable;
• hygienic;
• universal, suitable for almost any stylistic solution.

The main disadvantage of such an apron is its low heat resistance. If a gas stove is placed nearby, in the event of a fire, the fire will spread quickly. The second disadvantage of the material is its tendency to deform. It cannot be called durable; its service life ranges from 5 to 10 years.

Ceramic tile

The tiled apron is a leader in practicality and price/quality ratio. Many will call this option old-fashioned - and they will be wrong. Today there are so many types of tiles that they can satisfy the most demanding taste: mosaic, textured, voluminous, with a metal coating, intricate patterns, embossing (for example, leather), large and small, combined sizes. The list can be endless. Let’s move on to the advantages of a ceramic tile backsplash:

• hygienic – does not stain, is easy to clean, does not absorb moisture and fat;
• heat-resistant – does not burn, does not melt;
• diverse - with it you can bring to life a lot of decor ideas;
• durable - does not scratch, does not leave dents;
• durable – service life from 15 to 50 years;
• completely safe - does not accumulate static electricity, does not conduct current.

There are few disadvantages to tiles:

• complexity of dismantling and installation;
• the need to level the wall before work;
• the presence of seams between the tiles, which reduce hygiene and require additional care.

Plastic

The characteristics of a plastic apron are comparable to those of MDF.It often comes complete with furniture, comes in a variety of shapes and shades, and is easy to install. There are several types: carbonate glass, PVC panels, vinyl, lining and laminate. But if the first two materials are considered relatively durable, hygienic and safe, then using the rest for installation next to the hob is simply reckless. Not only can they burst into flames instantly, but they are also easily deformed by temperature changes, and when heated, they release toxic substances into the air.

Apron made of liquid artificial stone

One of the most expensive aprons for the kitchen. Its undoubted advantages are the ability to create a single composition with the countertop and sink and easy restoration. Scratches or other defects are eliminated with the same putty from which the apron is made. It is made from acrylic or quartz agglomerate. The first is essentially plastic, is flammable and easily deteriorates. But quartz agglomerate really deserves attention. He is afraid of only one thing - bleach (loses color).

Advantages:

• hygienic;
• lasting;
• durable;
• “expensive” in appearance;
• heat resistant;
• easy to restore;
• can be connected to the tabletop without a seam.

Flaws:

• high price;
• installed only by specialists;
• limited choice of colors.

Luxury and unusual aprons for the kitchen

Aprons made from the above materials are universal; you can use them to create any design in the kitchen. But for some this is not enough.

If you want something unusual, even at the expense of practicality, you should choose one of the following options:

• marble;
• from natural stone;
• made of natural wood;
• stainless steel;
• from pebbles;
• from a cut of brick;
• in the form of a board covered with slate paint.

5 designer tips

You should choose an apron design based on the color and style of the kitchen. Not every material will fit into a themed interior. For example, for a kitchen in the Provence style, skin and plastic are not the best options; they are more suitable for high-tech, modern or eco style. As for color schemes, the apron can be matched to the kitchen set, to the wallpaper (+- 2 tones) or to make it the main accent (in the form of a complex composition or picture).

What other designer tips should you consider when choosing?

1. A bright apron requires space. At the same time, it is important that it matches the color of the secondary decorative elements (towels, baseboards, fittings).
2. Mirror surfaces make the kitchen cold. In addition, not everyone likes to watch themselves while cooking.
3. Semi-gloss looks best - it is not so easily soiled and gives richness to the color.
4. White, beige, milky, tea rose and champagne are considered neutral; such aprons fit perfectly into any design.
5. Gray and variegated aprons with patterns are more practical than others; stains are least noticeable on them.

The kitchen is a place where delicious meals are prepared and the whole family gathers. It is important to make it functional, safe and attractive in appearance. There are many practical materials for finishing an apron, both cheap and expensive. If you have difficulty choosing a color, a neutral palette or a transparent glass screen will come to the rescue as protection.