Cheap kitchen apron, inexpensive plastic kitchen aprons. What material is better to make an apron for the kitchen? What to make an inexpensive apron for the kitchen

The apron protects the walls near the sink, stove and work surface in the kitchen from splashes of grease, water, dust and other negative influences. A number of requirements are put forward for the working wall, incl. high strength and practicality, ease of care, the ability to resist moisture and high temperatures... In addition, the apron should have good external data, since it takes up a significant part of the kitchen. What materials can be used to decorate the working wall in the kitchen, what are their main advantages, and what else should be considered when choosing a finishing material?

To all of the above material requirements kitchen apron it is worth adding that it should have the most smooth surface and be low-porous. This reduces the ability of the material to absorb moisture, and the ease of maintenance, on the contrary, increases.

Today, the following materials are used to organize an apron:

ceramic tile;
mosaic;
glass;
PVC panels;
natural and decorative stone;
MDF panels;
metal;
plaster, paint and other materials.

Each of these materials has its own advantages, disadvantages and features, and further we will dwell on the characteristics of each of them.

# 2. Ceramic tiles: an immortal classic

Most of us still choose to decorate our kitchen backsplash ceramic tiles, and for good reason. This is one of the best and most practical options, and it has a lot of advantages:

high strength;
heat resistance;
ease of care;
a huge assortment: you can choose tiles of any size, color and with any pattern;
relatively simple installation, which, with a certain skill, can even be done independently.

With the help of tiles, you can create a variety of effects, for example, highlight a certain area using a material of a certain color: decorative tiles you can highlight the area near the stove or sink, and lay out the rest of the tiles with simpler tiles. It is worth noting that dirt can accumulate in embossed ceramic tiles and in inter-tile seams, so it is better to choose the smoothest material possible, and make the seams thin or varnish them. When combining tiles above the work area and other finishes in the rest of the kitchen, it is better not to dwell on one color. Working area better color separate from dining area in the kitchen, thus performing effective zoning.

No. 3. Mosaic: room for imagination

With the help of mosaics, you can create the most incredible patterns and even whole pictures. A kitchen apron can become a real work of art, and the performance characteristics of the mosaic are very good. Among the main advantages it is worth noting:

moisture resistance;
heat resistance;
ease of care and hygiene;
strength;
wear resistance and durability;
unique appearance.

These are all common characteristics of a mosaic, because it can be of different types and made from different materials:

ceramic mosaic repeats all the characteristics of ceramic tiles, only any patterns can be laid out from 2 * 2 cm tiles;
glass mosaic perfectly shows itself in operation, as it is completely inert to the effects of moisture and fire. In addition, this material may slightly change color depending on lighting conditions, which makes it even more unique;
stone mosaic is quite rare due to the high price, and its care is difficult;
metal mosaic is quite durable and practical, but you can't hope for a variety of shades and colors.

The disadvantages of mosaics include the complexity of the installation process and, in some cases, the cost. You need a perfectly flat surface, and grouting should be treated very carefully so that dirt does not accumulate in them. Otherwise, it is an excellent material for finishing an apron in the kitchen.

No. 4. Glass: unusual and effective

Glass has been used to decorate kitchen aprons not so long ago, but in vain. This is an excellent material that meets all the requirements put forward for this area. Glass panels with a pattern applied to them are also called skinals. They are made of thick tempered glass and decorated in various ways: by sandblasting, placing inside a 3D polycarbonate material, or using ultraviolet printing. Sandblasting involves the impact on the glass surface of small abrasive particles under high pressure, as a result of which a relief volumetric pattern can be obtained, and for an even more effective result, some areas can be painted with colored enamels. Using UV printing, you can also get realistic, beautiful images, and any patterns and colors can be applied to glass.

Main advantages this method finishes:

high strength, because tempered glass is used, which is difficult to break, and even with a strong impact it is not able to injure anyone, because it shatters into fragments with blunt edges;
practicality and ease of care, resistance to aggressive detergents, while the appearance of the surface remains unchanged for many years;
absolute seamlessness of the coating, which ensures excellent hygiene, because dirt and microorganisms will not accumulate in the seams;
a unique appearance, because you can apply absolutely any image: even a fruit, even a picture, even your own photo.

As you can see, glass panels, or skins, are distinguished by high operational and external characteristics, but they are not yet used so often due to the high cost of the material and work on organizing the apron in this way. Although the glass apron is easy to wash, it will have to be done regularly, because all splashes and stains are clearly visible on its surface. It will be very difficult to change the image if desired, and you will have to completely think over the interior in advance, because if later it turns out that you need to organize a rail in the area of the working area, then this will not work. But the glass apron can be illuminated very effectively, and it will acquire a 3D effect.

No. 5. PVC panels: cheap and practical

The use of plastic panels for finishing the kitchen apron is one of the most budgetary ways to organize the space of the work area. In addition to the price, this material has a lot of other advantages:

ease of installation, because almost everyone can handle it;
easy to clean, the panels are very easy to clean and withstand even exposure to aggressive chemicals;
moisture resistance;
durability, and the plastic does not lose its original appearance over time;
the ability to withstand temperatures up to 1150C, but before buying it is important to inquire about the fire resistance of the material;
the seams between the panels can be decorated with special corners, which can even be matched to the railing or kitchen furniture.

Plastic panels do not shine with a variety of colors: pick up suitable material it is possible to match the interior of the kitchen, but it will be far from unique, and it is quite possible that you will find exactly the same in the neighbor's kitchen. But it’s not that bad. It is much worse that plastic panels are easily scratched, so you need to be careful when handling them.

No. 6. PVC film - temporary solution

If you need to make a quick and inexpensive temporary repair, then it makes sense to take a closer look at the PVC film. For a while, just before you make a normal repair, it can serve normally. Its main advantage is its low cost. In addition, the range of colors of such films is simply huge: natural materials, landscapes, ornaments, etc. You can cope with gluing such material yourself, the film is resistant to mechanical damage, but this is where its advantages end.

This material is able to gradually fade under the influence sun rays, it is afraid of high temperatures, and if damaged, it cannot be restored. It can be used as a temporary kitchen decoration, but not suitable for permanent use.

No. 7. MDF panels: budget and practical option

You can make a kitchen apron from MDF panels: it will be inexpensive, but it will be much more practical than finishing from film or PVC plates. The main advantages of this method of finishing the working wall:

moisture resistance and strength;
fast production, because, as a rule, such an apron is created together with a kitchen set;
ease of installation. The walls do not need careful preliminary preparation, and the panels can be fixed either on the frame, or using liquid nails... If you need to replace the apron, this can be done very simply - you don't even need to remove the furniture;
seamless coverage, and this is important in a kitchen work area;
beautiful appearance: such panels can imitate ceramic tiles, stone, wood, brick, and recently a bright pattern has been applied to the material so that the apron becomes a real highlight of the kitchen.

But the material, unfortunately, has its drawbacks:

not all detergents can be used to clean the surface. Too active substances can negatively affect the material, spoiling its appearance and performance;
flammability, therefore, it is better to use MDF panels only in those kitchens where an electric or induction cooker is installed.

No. 8. Natural and artificial stone

Natural stone is used extremely rarely for organizing an apron, but if it is used, it is often granite. Although the material is moisture resistant, withstands high temperatures, it is heavy and expensive and requires special care. Often, a stone apron is created in continuation to a stone countertop.

An alternative to natural stone is an artificial analogue, which is inferior only in terms of strength, and wins in all other characteristics. Artificial stone can imitate any kind of natural stone, it looks great in the interior. In addition, it is moisture resistant, withstands high temperatures, stains of grease and various products will not leave a trace on it, and in terms of care, it is quite simple. At the same time, the price and weight of it are much lower than that of natural stone, so the working wall can be safely finished in this way.

No. 9. Mirror: original, but troublesome

A mirrored apron will be a real highlight of any kitchen. He is able to visually significantly enlarge the room, so this is a good option for the smallest kitchens. The mirror is not afraid of moisture, and high temperatures, drops of fat, detergents are not able to harm it. This is very original way finishes that will transform the kitchen.

There are probably more disadvantages to a mirror apron than advantages, although the issue must be considered individually in each case. The ability to reflect and double the floor space can play a cruel joke: the amount of dirty dishes will also be doubled. There is often high humidity in the kitchen, so the mirror can fog up, and its appearance deteriorates. But the mirror will look much worse when splashed with water and grease. Of course, it is not difficult to wipe it off and put it in order, but such a procedure will have to be carried out constantly with active cooking.

No. 10. Metal: ideal for high-tech style

The metal apron will only fit into the interior in a modern style. This solution has a lot of advantages: durability, resistance to fire and water, chemicals. At the same time, you will have to put up with the fact that all splashes, drips, stains are clearly visible on the metal. They will need to be wiped down regularly to ensure the coating looks perfect, but this is not that difficult, especially since you can get rid of the dirt pretty quickly.

The main disadvantage of this finish is its cold appearance, and there are very few possible colors. It is important to think over the interior of the kitchen very well so that such an apron looks really organic and stylish. Moreover, this material reflects light very well, so you need to think over the lighting system so as not to get a room with an abundance of glare and sunbeams.

No. 11. How to organize a kitchen apron in an original way?

A kitchen apron can be finished with paint or plaster, of course, with maximum water resistance, but if you cook something more or less often, then this option is not suitable, especially when it comes to light colors finishes.

In addition to all the ways to organize a work wall described above, there are also a lot of unusual, creative options that will emphasize your individuality and make the kitchen unique. Here are just a few of them:

Everyone, if he thinks a little, will be able to offer his own original version of finishing a kitchen apron, but the main thing is to make this zone not only cute, but also practical.

In conclusion

The kitchen apron is regularly exposed negative influences: splashes of water, drops of grease and various foods, high temperatures, frequent washing. All this makes us look for the most practical and resistant material to all this. Everyone wants the kitchen to be also pretty, stylish and harmonious, therefore another requirement is put forward for the finishing material - a pleasant appearance. In addition to ceramic tiles, there are many other ways to decorate a working wall of a kitchen: when choosing one or another option, it is important to correlate all the pros and cons, think over how the material fits into the conditions of the kitchen, and only then make a decision.

remstroiblog.ru

Apron for the kitchen - 130 photos and material comparison

An apron is a part of the wall between the upper and lower cabinets. kitchen set... Its task is to protect the wall from moisture, hot steam, grease, splashes and any dirt. A beautiful work area will stretch even an ordinary interior, and an awkward design will ruin the impression of expensive facades. To make your choice easier, we have compared the most practical and effective finishes six by one. important criteria... Designer tips on what to make an apron for the kitchen, a comparison of popular materials and real photos of beautiful aprons - in this article.

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Optimal dimensions

Typically, the height of the apron in the kitchen varies from 45 to 60 centimeters. How high it should be in your case depends on the height of the household, the type of stove and the type of headset.

It is more convenient for a low hostess to hang the upper modules lower, and make the space between the cabinets small - 40-55 cm.

Small corner kitchen with 60 cm high ceramic backsplash

An example of a low apron - only 40 cm between two tiers of cabinets

In a kitchen with a gas stove, the distance between hob and the hood should be at least 75-80 cm. Consider this protrusion in the design.
Most often, the finishing material is used to cover the entire wall along the countertop. If you wish, you can limit yourself to small protective inserts only in the area of the sink and hob.
In the absence of wall cabinets, it is worth decorating the wall up to the ceiling itself, as in the photo below.

Built-in white kitchen without top cabinets with black and white skinned to the ceiling

The edges of the apron should go a couple of centimeters under the lower / upper cabinets. It is advisable to protect the joint between the wall and the countertop with a plinth and process silicone sealant... Without it, water will flow behind the floor stands. The back wall of fiberboard will swell and deform over time, and fungus grows freely on the walls.

We select the color and design of the apron trim

Decide in advance what role you assign to the design of the part of the wall behind the stove and sink: an inconspicuous background for beautiful headset or the main accent in the kitchen interior? See how the look of a glossy white kitchen is changing along with the design of the apron:

Regardless of the material chosen, the most versatile color of the apron is white: plain or with mosaic inserts, bright tiles, ceramic decors with photo prints. It can be combined with a headset of any color. Other neutral tones are also popular: milky, creamy, beige, light gray, champagne and ivory.
Dark finishes are impractical; water droplets and splashes of grease will be particularly noticeable.

If your renovation budget is tight, you can get an inexpensive set with simple fronts, neutral wallpaper, and flooring. But to decorate part of the wall above the countertop with more expensive material and turn it into interior decoration.

Stylish accent in the interior of the kitchen-living room

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Pros and cons of popular finishing materials

Tile apron

Kitchen apron made of ceramic tiles 10x10 cm with a pattern in patchwork style

The best option in terms of price, quality, durability and convenience. In the decoration of the apron, glazed wall tiles are often used, less often thin and lightweight porcelain stoneware. The most popular formats are 10x10, 15x15, 20x30 and 20x40 cm, as well as a different-sized "hog".

Ceramics have many designs for different tastes and every wallet. The surface of the tile can imitate the texture of stone, wood, metal, concrete. When choosing a tile for finishing a working wall in the kitchen, take a closer look at its texture: rough and embossed is difficult to keep clean, so you should give preference to a smooth one.

Photo of aprons for the kitchen from tiles in real interiors apartments and houses, see the selection below:

Combined mosaic and tile backsplash

Contrast grout serves as a decor

A universal design option for a kitchen apron of any style - hog format tiles

In addition to background tiles of different colors, manufacturers include ceramic panels and borders in their collections.

Decorative frieze on a tiled apron

Price. Tiling the apron will cost more than plastic, but much cheaper than glass and acrylic stone. In addition to the cost of the material, do not forget to include in the calculation the costs of the leveling mixture, tile adhesive, grout for joints, sealant and the work of craftsmen.

Mounting. Laying should be entrusted to a professional. The working area in the kitchen is always in the spotlight, and it is not easy to lay out tiles without experience without experience. An important point: ceramics is for a long time. If you don't like the tile design, changing the backsplash will not be easy.

Preparation. Requires thorough surface preparation. The curved wall will have to be leveled.

Durability. In the kitchen, an apron decorated with ceramic tiles will easily serve you for 15 years or more.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care. ★★★★★

You can use detergents, including those with light abrasives. Tile joints require special care. Plain light-colored grout darkens over time and looks untidy. To avoid this, use an epoxy that does not change color.

Which tile is suitable for the apron and how to choose it correctly.

Boar tile in the kitchen - a guide of choice and real photos

From photo tiles

An example of decorating a working wall in a kitchen with tiles with photo printing

You can limit yourself to factory decors (available in the collections of most large manufacturers kitchen ceramics) or make a photo panel to order. Most of the pros and cons of this type of finish are the same as that of a regular one. tile... But pay attention to a few significant disadvantages:

the price of photo tiles is much higher than usual collections
inexpensive sublimation-printed tiles fade and fade in the sun over time, and the decal costs twice as much
does not like aggressive household chemicals especially with abrasive elements
factory-made photo decors are more durable and stronger than custom-made

Glass apron

Glass apron for kitchen with photo printing in black and white

A beautiful and practical finish, which in many properties is not inferior to ceramics. A glass apron is easier to care for than people think, and heat and moisture do not spoil its appearance. To decorate the working area in the kitchen, they use durable tempered glass with a thickness of 6 and 8 mm with different designs: transparent, colored, tinted, frosted and decorated with photo printing.

Photo printing on a glass surface is applied in different ways. Read more about them in this article.

Images of flowers and fruits on skinale are the most popular subjects in kitchen design

Working wall made of plain glass, painted with enamel

Price. Such a finish can hardly be called a budget one: glass panels with photo printing are much more expensive than tiles and mosaics, not to mention plastic. In addition to the cost of making the skin, you will have to pay extra for fitting and fitting a picture (you can choose an image from the catalog), photo tests, installation, cutting out holes for sockets and other services that are not obvious to an inexperienced buyer. Most inexpensive option- a transparent glass screen, the wall behind which can be painted or pasted over with beautiful wallpaper.

Mounting. The main advantage of a glass backsplash in comparison with other types of wall decoration in the kitchen is the speed of installation and the absence of "dirty" work. The process of assembling the finished panel takes a couple of hours, but requires experience, accuracy and skill. In case of damage, it will not be possible to get rid of by replacing a small fragment: the coating will have to be changed entirely.

Preparation. When using special fasteners (and this is the most popular way to install skinals), there is no need to level the wall. Glass lags behind the surface by a few millimeters, so it will hide irregularities and old materials, including tiles. To glue the panels, the substrate must be perfectly clean, dry and even, otherwise they will not adhere well.

Durability. Contrary to the fears of many, skinals are able to decorate your kitchen for a long time without losing their attractive appearance. Some companies provide a 5-year warranty. Of course, we are talking about quality kitchen aprons made of tempered glass with UV printing with good ink, and not about cheap imitations of plexiglass with a pattern on the film.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care. ★★★★

Fingerprints, water and grease marks are more noticeable on glass than on ceramics. But a smooth panel without joints is much easier to clean than walls with ceramic finish where you have to clean out numerous seams. It is enough to regularly wipe it down with a damp sponge and soapy water and use a glass cleaner from time to time.

Apron made of plastic

Apron for kitchen made of MDF with plastic wood imitation to match the countertop and baseboard

A good choice for economy class headsets and temporary refurbishment, especially if you are going to do it yourself. A decent assortment of plastic wall panels that are used as an apron in the kitchen can be found in any building hypermarket like Leroy Merlin, OBI, Castoram, etc.

There are two options:

Furniture board made of MDF, chipboard and fiberboard, faced with decorative HPL plastic - monochromatic or with wood, ceramics, stone, mosaic decor. The apron from MDF can also be finished with acrylic with photo printing.
PVC wall panels. Flexible screens are attached to the wall using glue and aluminum profiles. In terms of practicality and durability, they are inferior to MDF and chipboard: they are thinner, lose color faster, they cannot be installed in kitchens with a gas hob - they are deformed.

Imitation mosaic

PVC panel in the kitchen instead of tiles MDF panel with photo printing

Light plastic apron in a modern kitchen in the style of minimalism

Price. The most budgetary option in our selection. A three-meter panel can be purchased for an average of 1.5-3 thousand rubles.

Mounting. An important advantage a plastic apron is an easy installation that even a beginner can handle. Unlike ceramics and glass, it is easy to make holes for sockets and rails in it right during the installation process. When panels need to be replaced, you can dismantle the old ones quickly and easily.

Preparation. Depends on the type, but most products do not require wall alignment: they are mounted on wooden crate from the rails to the dowel, nails or screws.

Durability. Of all the materials in our review, plastic aprons have the shortest lifespan. Compared to other options, they will lose their "face" the fastest and are unlikely to last more than 3-5 years. But they are easy and inexpensive to replace.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★

According to this indicator, aprons covered with a layer of plastic are inferior to competing materials. But if you take a high-quality slab ( MDF is better than chipboard) and close the joints with the countertop with a plinth, you should not be afraid of problems.

Care. ★★★★

It is enough to wipe the smooth plastic surface with a damp microfiber cloth or a soft sponge. Make sure that water does not flood the edges, otherwise the base of the apron may warp and swell.

From the mosaic

Mosaic backsplash in contrasting colors will make your kitchen design bright and dynamic. Mosaic has many types: it can be glass, ceramic, stone, metal ... This material is a "chameleon", which looks different depending on the lighting and perfectly brings the interior together.

Price. Compared to ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, mosaic is a less profitable option for finishing an apron. The laying work will also be more expensive, and necessary materials: you will have to buy special glue and grout. If you want to save money, choose a mosaic tile. It is cheaper and makes installation much easier.

Mounting. Laying and grouting numerous joints is a laborious process: it requires experience, time and great care.

Preparation. While mesh mosaics can be used for curved surfaces (such as a curved wall), leveling and careful preparation of the base is indispensable. Any unevenness in the apron area will be conspicuous and spoil the effect of beautiful finish.

Durability. Will serve flawlessly long years... According to European manufacturers, the normal service life of a quality material is 20-25 years.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care. ★★★★

Acrylic stone

Most often, an apron and a countertop are made from artificial stone at once.

Combination of stone and stainless steel

Corian Shaped Wall Panel

A stone kitchen apron is ideal in a classic interior

Price. Perhaps the most expensive design option in our selection.

Mounting. Requires work experienced craftsmen, but there will be no dirt during installation.

Preparation. In order for the thin panel to fit snugly against the wall, it is important to properly prepare the base. First of all, get rid of irregularities so that there are no voids left.

Durability. When handled carefully, acrylic stone will last a very long time. If you frequently brush the surface with pots and utensils, micro-scratches will appear over time. To the credit of the material, it is easy to restore it: grind cracks and build up chips. After polishing it will be like new.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care. ★★★★★

Due to the absence of micropores on the surface and seams, where dirt usually collects, the wall is easy to keep clean. It is enough to wash the panel with clean / soapy water. Even stubborn dirt can be easily removed without special means.

You can read more about this finishing material in this article.

Photo of aprons made of unusual materials

If you want a different finish, take a look at the ideas below. The working wall above the kitchen countertop can be painted with moisture-resistant paint, covered with wallpaper, finished with laminate, mirror panel, stainless steel sheet, decorative plaster, brick, stone. Not all solutions are practical in the kitchen: the apron may need additional protection in the form of clear glass or acrylic lacquer.

PRODUCERS KITCHEN

idealkitchen.ru

What to make an apron in the kitchen

Kitchen decoration should not only be pleasing to the eye, but also practical. When choosing a material for an apron, you need to pay attention to its size, quality, aesthetic beauty and cost. The distance above the work surface, that is, the countertop and hanging cabinets of the headset, should be optimal to protect the wall from hot steam, oily splashes, grease and other contaminants. As a rule, finishing is done along the entire wall, however, quite often it is limited to individual inserts, for example, in the sink area, stove.

When choosing an apron model, consider its size. The height of this element is on average from 45 to 60 cm. When choosing certain sizes, you need to build on your own height and type of plate. The fact is that the owners of gas stoves must observe the distance between the hood and the hob from 75-80 cm.

When installing the apron in the kitchen, leave a couple of centimeters under the top and bottom set, countertop. The visible joint should be hidden with a plinth or treated with silicone or sealant. This is done so that water does not flow behind the floor cabinet, and its wooden walls do not swell, deform, and do not provoke the formation of mold and mildew.

Each material has its own characteristics, specifications... So, experts do not recommend using unglazed ceramic tiles, because they have a porous structure. If you do not want to face the accumulation of grease, moisture that is difficult to remove from the surface, pay attention to chipboard, glass, Italian tiles, MDF and plastic. fake diamond... All other materials will become an excellent barrier against bacteria and their growth. With proper care, a kitchen apron will last a long time.

To facilitate regular maintenance, try to choose the right, even and smooth design without seams, joints.

Often, a kitchen apron acts as an excellent design accent in the interior. You don't have to spend fabulous money on boring kitchen furniture fronts, super-washable wallpaper, expensive insulated floors. It is enough to decorate the apron with quality materials in an interesting color scheme. It will certainly attract the glances of curious guests, it will be great to decorate the general atmosphere of the kitchen. There is a colossal amount of materials on the market from which you can create a truly artistic masterpiece.

If you do not have enough funds to buy elite European materials, you can use their cheaper counterparts. A similar finish made of MDF, chipboard, plastic perfectly imitates wood species, a natural stone, creates amazing stained-glass windows, the effect of broken colored glass, etc. When decorating an apron, it is important to understand what role it will play in the interior of the kitchen. Sometimes it can be a wonderful backdrop for a kitchen set or vice versa. In this area, you can place a volumetric 3D photo print, visually expanding the workspace, giving a storyline to the kitchen interior.

It can be a seashore, a mesmerizing skyline, floral still lifes, fantasy scenes, animal painting or any national pattern (Scandinavian, Oriental, Provencal, Azulejo, etc.). White is still considered the universal color for an apron. Plastic panels, glass will look great with a headset of any color. So that they do not have a "hospital" boring look, the designers advise to dilute the snow-white tonality with a colored mosaic insert, ceramic decor, photo printing. The neutral range also includes the shade of ivory, beige, ivory, milk, cream.

If you stop at a colored apron, be sure to "support" its palette with other interior details. It is best if it goes tone-on-tone or pattern in pattern with textile elements of the kitchen: curtains, decorative pillows, and wallpaper. The color of marsala, burgundy, lime, emerald, ultramarine will look incredibly stylish in the kitchen.

If lilac will become the key color palette for the bedroom, then in the kitchen it will be rich purple. Strive to use as many natural colors as possible. By the way, there will be all shades of brown, yellow, gray in contrast with black, white, cream, sand, pastel, etc.

One of the most demanded materials is ceramic tiles or small-format porcelain stoneware. They are affordable in price and quality, but more expensive than the chipboard, MDF option. Aprons made of resistant glass and artificial stone are an order of magnitude higher. The latter are mainly used in country cottages and apartments to maintain the prestige of their real estate.

Try to choose tiles with a glossy finish for ease of maintenance. Its shiny surface will reflect light, which will visually expand the area of the kitchen. If you are not fond of small square meters, you can use volumetric decors, select relief tile samples, for example, with a 3d effect. For any interior, beige and brown will be a safe bet, no matter what style surrounds you (classic, kitsch, vintage or art nouveau).

A feature of the tile is that it easily imitates other materials: stone, wood, glass. Watercolor painting or patterns with streaks will become popular decoration. Small dirt and stains are practically invisible with them. When laying tiles, pay attention to problem areas, seams. Light-colored grout will lose its original color over time. Important at the start phase finishing works use only high-quality materials with dirt-repellent, moisture-resistant components, for example, like epoxy grout.

You can also choose rectified tiles, in which the distance between the joints does not exceed 2 mm. In this case, the darkened areas during operation will practically not be noticeable. Experts advise choosing tiles with a special coating that perfectly resists aggressive environments. With such a material, it will not be scary to use any chemical agents, even with abrasive particles in the composition.

There are a huge number of styling options italian tiles... You can choose a checkerboard, traditional or offset. You can position it diagonally on the Soviet motif or using the kaleidoscope method (in a different color). If you are choosing ceramic tiles 10 x 10 cm, then during installation you can do without additional trimming. It looks great in small kitchens.

It will be possible to shorten the time for finishing works with ceramic tiles if you purchase samples of medium size, from 30 x 30 cm and above. They can imitate small tiles, have slots, recesses, but they will fit several times faster.

An apron made with the participation of photo tiles looks unusually fashionable. It will become a unique decoration for the kitchen, bring individuality and luxury to any interior. You can depict absolutely any print, pattern or design above the hob, even your family photo. Such a finish will certainly inspire you to cook delicious, mouth-watering dishes for your beloved household members.

If you are a fighter for quality, durability and longevity, look at tempered glass models. It can be decorated with a pattern at any time, for example, from acrylic. The advantage of such a finish will be resistance to dirt, practicality in use, long term exploitation.

The product perfectly "gets on" with the hob, tolerates any temperature fluctuations, and does not allow moisture to pass through. You can decorate glass with drawings of large flowers, images of birds, animals, vintage items, fruits or vegetables, sweets.

The shine of the glass will keep the kitchen tidy in any light. It is believed that glass, as well as laminate models, is the most noble type of finish; it always looks laconic, expensive and prestigious. It is better to use fasteners when mounting. You will not scratch the headsets, facades, so repair and finishing work can be carried out at any stage of construction. The mirror apron will be just as popular, correcting all the imperfections in the geometry of your kitchen.

The sophisticated design of a kitchen apron with the help of mosaics is trendy, consists of contrasting shades, non-trivial colors. The mosaic will add a special charm to the kitchen, tenderness and elegance. When installing such a structure, glue, grout is used, which takes most of the time to "eliminate" the seams. It is also necessary to follow the sequence when laying the mosaic.

In the absence of sufficient funds, instead of an apron made of natural stone, an Italian fresco, you can resort to hypoallergenic plastic of the economy class category. There are several options for such a kitchen finish:

made of plastic based on MDF, chipboard or fiberboard;

use of decorative hot-pressed plastic;

creation of stunning visualization "like wood", stone and other materials;

using plastic made from polycarbonate.

All models are easy to install, take care of them, extending their service life every year. You can also think of a budget option made of chipboard and plastic. Such a structure is easy to do with your own hands, replace if necessary. Quite often, the material is colorless, transparent. It will turn out to glue under it stylish wallpaper create photo printing.

This model exhibits excellent resistance to moisture and high temperatures. If you want to get an apron at an affordable price without seams and joints - take into account the chipboard system!

One of the most aesthetically pleasing ideas would be to use artificial stone. In this case, it is better that the table top is made of the same material. Despite its high cost, finishing is very popular among wealthy owners of cottages, penthouses, townhouses.

Installation requires high-quality work of experienced craftsmen who will create the perfect picture of the interior. Careful handling of such a surface guarantees a long service life. The product perfectly tolerates frequent cleaning, including wet cleaning.

For a loft-style design, a hog tile or a brick-like model is suitable. It has a rectangular shape and bevelled edges at the edges, which makes it look like a brick. This finish will look great in classic and modern interiors. It is possible to choose as standard version in the size of 10 x 20 cm, and large format up to 15 x 45 cm.

As a rule, "hog" is produced in a solid color with a smooth glossy surface. The colors are mostly neutral and calm. It is customary to dilute collections of a kitchen apron with interesting photo printing, drawings with fruits, berries, sweets and other ideas on a culinary theme.

For kitsch, eclectic styles, mosaic products are suitable. They give an atmosphere of well-being, comfort, joy in a wooden house. For luxurious baroque, avant-garde, Romanesque, Mediterranean styles, wall panels are suitable, for which it is important to provide space and symmetry. For the Victorian style, pastoral still lifes, landscapes of famous cities ( Ancient Greece, Venice, Florence, etc.). Tiles imitating cladding can be complemented by textured patterns, spectacular coating, stylized antique ornaments.

For modern hi-tech, constructivism, avant-garde, it is better to use tempered glass depicting a black-and-white city, landscapes, portraits, etc. Full-color UV printing on glass is also allowed here, vinyl wrap patterned, triplex technology, matting, etc. A metal kitchen apron is also suitable for these styles. It will turn out a kind of fusion with a perfectly smooth surface, glossy shine.

You can use drawings with a worn effect for a vintage interior, and even a sprig of lilac, green stems, cotton can be placed in tempered glass to create a Provencal style. All finishing options have managed to earn positive reviews from satisfied customers.

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What can be used to make an apron in the kitchen: a variety of materials

The ingress of water and grease, exposure to steam and mechanical damage - all this threatens the section of the wall between the countertop and the wall cabinets of kitchen furniture. In this area, it is customary to build an "apron" that will protect the surface from aggressive environments and make cleaning much easier. In addition, it plays an important role in the decoration of the premises.

When choosing what an apron can be made from in the kitchen, it is worth considering both of its functions: protective and decorative. The range of materials on the market is diverse - the buyer can choose a coating for every taste and budget. In addition to the tiles and wall panels that have become familiar, today artificial stone, glass and metal are increasingly used for this purpose.

Classic solutions

The options proven for more than one decade - tiles and wall panels - hold the palm among others. This is due to their familiarity, availability and good protective properties.

Ceramic tile

Tile as a material for kitchen wall cladding needs no introduction. It is practical, durable, resistant to temperature, mechanical and chemical influences. The variety of ceramic tile models on the modern market makes it easy to choose a covering for a room of any style and size.

The disadvantages of tiles are few, but still they are:

rather high cost of the material and work on its installation;
labor intensity of the process;
increased requirements for the walls - they must be flat.

And yet, deciding the question of what is better to make an apron in the kitchen, many prefer ceramic tiles.

Wall panels

Arrangement kitchen wall using panels is also very popular. The cost of such an apron will be significantly lower compared to a tiled one. Hence, one of the drawbacks follows - a somewhat budgetary appearance: a kitchen with such an apron can hardly be called chic. However, for most typical kitchens, wall panels can be a worthy alternative to tiles.

Important! Regardless of the material of manufacture, wall panels have a significant advantage - high speed, simplicity and cleanliness of installation.

Most often, panels are made from the following materials:

fibreboard (fiberboard);
chipboard (chipboard);
finely dispersed fiberboard (MDF);
plastic.

If the question is, what is the best way to quickly and inexpensively build a practical kitchen apron, then you should pay attention to the MDF panels. They are not very susceptible to the influence of an aggressive environment, and are easy to maintain and install. The material is not afraid of moisture, heat-resistant and scratch-resistant. In addition, with the help of MDF, it is very easy to ensure the unity of a headset and an apron, since most manufacturers offer panels that match the color of the table top.

Fiberboard plates and chipboard can also be used for an apron as a more budgetary option compared to MDF. A special coating applied to the surface gives them quite acceptable qualities, allowing these materials to be used in the kitchen. However, they are inferior to MDF in terms of strength, durability and resistance to damage.

The main advantages of wall decoration with plastic panels are low cost and big choice colors. Options for an apron for a kitchen made of PVC are varied, with their help you can recreate the texture of wood, stone or leather, as well as various patterns, including three-dimensional ones. The disadvantages of such an apron are not too high, although acceptable, practicality. Plastic is more susceptible to damage from shock, temperature and abrasive particles, absorbs odors and can fade over time.

Modern materials

Recently, more and more often you can find aprons made of glass, mosaic, artificial stone and even metal. These materials fit perfectly into modern design and have all the properties necessary for finishing a kitchen wall. The general disadvantage of such aprons is very high.

Mosaic

Mosaic is a type of decor consisting of many small elements of the same or different shapes. Such a coating looks spectacular on the apron and brings sophistication and lively notes to the interior. Mosaic can be used to decorate both individual sections of the wall and its entire surface. For a kitchen apron, a ceramic or glass mosaic is most often used. You can read more about these types of cladding here (mosaic tiles for the kitchen on the apron).

Fake diamond

Artificial stone has become commonplace as a material for sinks and countertops. It has excellent water-repellent and antibacterial properties, is durable and unpretentious. All these qualities make artificial stone ideal for decorating a kitchen backsplash.

Many manufacturers of furniture, the tabletops of which are made of this material, offer to purchase a similar wall covering. Such an apron has no seams, which greatly simplifies maintenance, is easy to assemble and looks very presentable. Its surface can imitate various natural stone or be executed in a single tone.

The disadvantages include the high cost. In addition, scratches from rough mechanical stress may form on the surface of the apron over time. However, this material is very easy to restore by grinding, and this process does not require dismantling.

Advice! Giving preference to an apron made of artificial stone, it is better to choose textured colors in calm tones. On such surfaces, scuffs and scratches will hardly be noticeable.

Glass

Glass finishing is one of the latest fashion trends in the kitchen. This material is environmentally friendly, resistant to moisture, high temperature and chemicals. Despite the apparent fragility, such an apron is quite reliable, since it is made of tempered glass, which is several times stronger than usual.

Exists different variants glass apron for kitchen:

transparent - creating invisible protection of the kitchen wall;
colored - made of painted glass;
with a textured pattern;
with a picture on a film superimposed on inner surface;
skinals - panels with photo printing applied to seamy side;
mirrored.

The glass apron is easy to install, lasts a long time and looks very impressive. It is easy to care for due to the absence of seams. The only thing that causes frustration is that the price of such a product is quite high.

Another option for using glass for finishing an apron is the use of glass mosaics. This topic is discussed in detail in a separate article.

Metal

The most exotic type of apron today is metal. It is made primarily of stainless steel and has the strength and durability of this material. Such an apron is not afraid of anything at all! Water, high temperature, splashes of grease, steam, exposure to cleaning agents, accidental blows - "stainless steel" copes with all kitchen misfortunes with dignity.

Such an apron can be made from a single sheet of steel, which is superimposed on top of the chipboard panel. In this case, it will have one more advantage - the absence of seams. The surface of the sheet can be glossy, matte, textured or decorated with an ornament. In addition, you can decorate the wall with stainless steel tiles or ceramic with a metal surface.

One limitation prevents the widespread use of the material - a metal apron for the kitchen is best suited for a high-tech room. In other cases, such wall decoration is fraught with the "cooling" of the interior and the introduction of a touch of "industry" into it. In addition, the smooth surface of the metal requires constant wiping - stains and splashes are very noticeable on it.

So, the materials for the device of the kitchen apron are varied. Giving preference to one of them, one should proceed from many factors, including the general style of the room, its parameters, the wishes of the owners, as well as the repair budget. You can read more about how to make the right choice here.

An apron for the kitchen is the second most important thing after furniture, and the first one in terms of functionality. It is from him that in the future the convenience of the working area in the kitchen and its appearance will depend. The kitchen apron is designed to protect the most dirty part of the walls, which is in the immediate vicinity of the water and the stove.

There are a lot of materials from which such kitchen aprons are created, but ceramic tiles have been holding the lead for many years.

Ceramic tile

Due to its excellent performance, ceramic tiles are easy to clean, they are not afraid of high temperatures and are resistant to mechanical stress. ceramic apron there is one more undeniable advantage in front of competing materials: it has such a rich selection of both colors and textures that it easily allows you to create the illusion of any desired material.

A ceramic kitchen apron can perfectly imitate wood, leather, metal or stone. And no one would even guess that they are familiar with ceramic tiles.

Tile is most often found in the interior, since its simplicity in care and durability have already been proven, and no one will doubt its durability.

Advice! When choosing a tile, you need to take into account its texture. A texture that is too elaborate and complex will make it harder to clean, and a clean kitchen is a guarantee of health.

There are no more special requirements for tiles. You can safely choose any color you like, combining textures and playing with shades.

Pros of tile

Most of the collections on the market are resistant to temperature changes, are not afraid of mechanical damage and do not lose color brightness. Unlike other materials, microcracks will never appear on a tile backsplash.
The tile practically does not need special care, it is enough just to regularly clean it with the help of mild soap solutions or special cosmetics. Ceramic tiles are not afraid of any dirt, due to the fact that a dense layer of glaze does not allow ordinary liquid or caustic substances to pass through, and helps to clean without the slightest effort.

Disadvantages of tile

There are seams of porous material between the tiles. This significantly reduces the hygienic properties of the ceramic. (How to fix read below

Advice! In order to increase the hygienic properties of the ceramics, smooth grouting of the joints between the ceramic tiles is performed. Then it is additionally covered with a protective varnish.

Plastic

Plastic has an optimal ratio of cost, practicality and quality. In the production of plastic aprons, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) panels are used.

The main advantages of which are:

pollution resistance and durability;
strength;
ease of installation;
aesthetic appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages

This apron is resistant to hot steam and moisture.
An indisputable advantage is the relative cheapness compared to other analogs, for example, stone or tile.
However, it should be borne in mind that when cleaning the work surface, the use of abrasive materials should be avoided, as this can lead to scratches and significantly spoil the overall good impression of the kitchen.
It is also necessary to protect the panels from exposure to open fire, as this will lead to their irreversible deformation.

Cleaning and maintenance

When choosing an apron, you should focus on a solid sheet of plastic without seams, because dirt and grease accumulated in the seams are difficult to remove during cleaning and worsen the appearance.
Maintenance and cleaning of the plastic apron does not require special detergents, since ordinary soap solution and a damp sponge are quite suitable, and the ease of maintenance can significantly save time when cleaning.

Material safety

When choosing panels, you should pay attention to the environmental safety of raw materials, because in the manufacture of a high-quality apron, the same polyvinyl chloride should be used that is used in the manufacture of dishes intended for storing food.
If this requirement is met, you do not have to worry about the health and well-being of your household.

A plastic kitchen apron has a number of indisputable advantages over analogues made from other materials, however, when making a final decision, in any case, you will have to be guided only by your own taste, preferences and financial capabilities.

Glass apron

The glass apron burst into the interior and took the leading position. With its help, a room for cooking and eating can turn into a design masterpiece, even if a professional was not standing by, and all the decor elements were invented and discussed at a family council by people far from architectural novelties.

Someone can twist a finger at his temple and dismissively say that glass is a fragile material and glass aprons are an impractical and short-lived design. But this is far from the case.

Today's technologies make it possible to endow glass with such properties that it will easily give odds to a mosaic or ceramic coating. Moreover, the originality of the design, which distinguishes a glass kitchen apron from any other, will make all guests turn green about envy and gasp, because you can choose almost any drawing or image.

The main thing is that they meet certain quality requirements. Do you want to look at nature every day, choose flower arrangements and landscapes; if you need a working mood - geometric patterns; and if you want something tasty, then be sure to fruits or sweets.

Advantages of a glass apron

Skinali is made from durable six-millimeter sheet glass that has undergone special tempering.
Such an apron does not require lengthy installation, the whole process takes only a few hours.
It also does not need specific care: just wipe it once a week with a sponge soaked in soapy water.
The durability and practicality of the skin is optimally matched with its price.
Photo printing applied to tempered glass does not fade over time, all colors remain bright and saturated.
The drawing can create any style or organically fit into the existing one.

One single flaw

Requires more frequent maintenance, since dirt on the glass is more visible.

Photo tiles

Anyone who wants to install a kitchen apron with a more modern look chooses a photo tile. Kitchen photo tiles are decorated with a landscape you like or an archived family photo. So it is possible to emphasize the individuality and self-sufficiency of the interior, which, by and large, no longer requires other pretentious details.

Important! It should be remembered that the phototile must not be cleaned with substances with abrasive elements. Otherwise, microcracks or scratches may appear.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages undoubtedly include the originality of the result obtained. High-quality photo tiles are resistant to moisture, mechanical and chemical influences.
One of the disadvantages of this type of tile is its price. Such a tile is worth a lot. The cheapest tiles are made using the "sublimation" method. These tiles are quite bright, but fade quickly. Therefore, for a brightly lit kitchen, it will not be the best option. In any case, it will not last long.
The disadvantage of photo tiles is the possibility of peeling and cracking of the printed layer.

Mirror tiles

In the presence of a small kitchen space, the choice often falls on mirror tiles. This simple technique allows you to visually create an illusion. more space, it seems to be expanding.

But taking care of such an interior is much more difficult: any imprint, any drop of water or fat is easily applied and must be constantly washed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Thanks to the property of reflection, mirror tiles expand the boundaries of the room, making it more spacious and bright.
It is very difficult to take care of such tiles. The tiles are very easily soiled and any drop of water or grease can be easily applied. Therefore, it must be constantly washed.
There is one more drawback to mirror tiles... Anyone who prefers to install rails and hang various jars and flasks on them should refuse such tiles, since all these doubled kitchen utensils will significantly burden the space. And the effect of visual volume is simply not possible to achieve.

Olga Nikitina

Reading time: 14 minutes

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The kitchen in the house is like home... All family members spend a lot of time there, but especially women. At the same time, any housewife dreams of a cozy and beautiful kitchen, which, moreover, in no case should take a lot of time to wash. Therefore, everyone thinks not only about, but also about the design of the apron. After all, it can be functional and aesthetic at the same time.

What is an apron for in the kitchen?

An apron for the kitchen is called wall space above the countertop, sink and hob... It tends to get dirty very actively during cooking and washing dishes. Therefore, not only the beauty of the apron design is considered important, but also convenience in his cleaning. After all, few people want to spend time on constant cleaning after cooking, which could be devoted to family or rest.

The apron protects the wall from splashes of grease and oil from hot pans, from food particles that can scatter during the preparation of various dishes, which is not uncommon.

Kitchen apron material - what to choose? Advantages and disadvantages.

Ceramic apron for the kitchen is a cheap and practical option for economical housewives

Pros:

Minuses:

Relatively complex styling, taking a lot of time.
Not everyone can cope with styling independently and efficiently. Usually a hand is required masters .
The cost price of such an apron is higher the cost of an apron made of plastic or mdf.
Difficulty to remove after a certain period of service.

Apron made of MDF - great kitchen design for little money

Pros:

Minuses:

Negative reaction to water and cleaning agents , which over time spoil such an apron both externally and in shape.
Weak fire resistance and the release of toxic substances during combustion.
Low degree of aesthetics .

Glass backsplash - for kitchens with good ventilation
Pros:

Minuses:

Doesn't have versatility in combination with interiors.
Easily gets dirty and requires frequent washing.
Tempering will not save you from scratches with time.
High cost .

Mosaic - an exclusive and stylish apron for your home
Pros:

Minuses:

Difficulty cleaning due to the large number of seams and joints.
The work of a master is required for wall surface preparation and high-quality laying of mosaic elements.
High costs for the purchase of all materials and payment for the installation work.
The need to use the best moisture resistant grout for seams, in order to prevent them from darkening.
Difficult removal when changing the apron.

Economy and ease of installation - plastic backsplash for the kitchen
Pros:

Minuses:

Can stay indelible stains .
Weak resistance to scratches and deformation due to exposure to water and cleaning agents.
The most less aesthetics .
Release of harmful substances some types of plastic.
High fire hazard on contact with fire.
Isolation of poisonous poisons when burning.

Mirror apron - an exquisite decoration for the kitchen with good ventilation

Pros:

Visually increases space small kitchens.
Unusual and attractive such a design.

Minuses:

Low degree of practicality .
Mirrors prone to fogging on contact with hot air.
Difficulty keeping clean .

Metal apron - modern high-tech monochrome
Pros:

Originality in high-tech style.
Persistence in front of the fire.
Enough acceptable price .

Minuses:

Clear visibility that requires regular wiping.
Weak combination with various other interiors.
Required correct addition individual elements from another material to give home comfort.
Some types of metal hard enough to wash without leaving streaks.

Apron color in the kitchen

There is no unique recommended color. It all depends on personal desires ... Still, you should not choose a very bright color if it is not supported by the presence of other details in the interior of the same color. And in the event that difficulties arise when choosing the desired color, then designers are advised to give preference white as to match any other kitchen color and design. In practicality, this color shows itself on a good side.

Thus, when choosing an apron, it is best to be guided by your own needs and opportunities, and not the desire to follow the trend or be “on the wave”. Sometimes completely impractical things, created for beauty and admiration, turn out to be in fashion. At the same time, you should not prefer cheap materials if you want to get a long service life from an apron, given that it only takes a few square meters, but, at the same time, plays an important role in giving beauty, individuality and comfort to your kitchen.

What kind of apron do you have in the kitchen?