What material to choose an apron for the kitchen. How to choose an apron for the kitchen: practical advice, photo examples

Ceramic tiles are one of the best and most popular materials for decorating a kitchen backsplash. But far from the only one. Let's deal with the pros and cons of alternative materials - wall panels, skinned (tempered glass). And with the nuances of laying out a tiled apron that you might not have guessed about.

1. Laminated wall panel

For whom:

for those who want quick changes in the kitchen without messy repairs.
for those who renovate the kitchen in super economy mode;
for tenants of apartments in the style of "grandmother's chic", when it is important to close the old apron in the kitchen, and the owner does not agree to expensive repairs;

Price: from 1500 rub. for the panel 301x60 cm in Leroy Merlin; from 2000 rub. per panel 120x55 cm at IKEA.

A rich palette, including a stone, wood, tile, with the possibility of ordering fantasy patterns; are matte and glossy, textured. Usually laminated panels are ordered as a companion for laminated countertops - they are made in one color.

Budget material; the price is comparable to the cost of the inexpensive ceramic tiles.

It is very easy to install and dismantle - no need to "dilute the dirt". And tired - you can replace it literally in an hour. You can glue directly on top of the old tile (if the thickness does not interfere), you will not need to cook the surface in any special way.

it sheet material, and the sheet may not be of sufficient size. At large size kitchens will inevitably have joints that (in best case) will be decorated with an aluminum profile, as shown in the photo. Unlike tile joint, it is obtrusively striking and is not always aligned with the line of the upper and lower cabinets.

- For the joint in the corner, metal corner guides are used. It is also better to close the end of the panel with a metal plate to look neat. Unlike chipboard countertops, the ends of the laminated panel are not covered with an adhesive edge. This means that these will be places unprotected from moisture. If you do not treat them with sealant during installation, the panel will quickly become unusable.

- Cannot be installed next to gas stove... Only if the stove has a cover (and it is she who, when raised, will protect the wall) - this option is possible. But in kitchens with hobs without a protective cover, it is better to choose other materials.

Fact: The width of the sheet of the laminated panel rarely exceeds 60 cm. If you need to put the apron behind the hood, a horizontal joint may form.

2. Artificial stone wall panel

For whom: for those looking for a "shortened" apron unusual shape as in the example in the photo; for those who need an apron without a "plinth" (inevitable in the case of wall panels made of chipboard). Price: from 3000 rubles. per p.m; depends on the brand and composition of the artificial stone.

The panel is glued to the tabletop during installation, which eliminates gaps and water ingress. No baseboard needed.

The apron can be made curly, not brought to the upper cabinets.

The artificial stone wall panel is glued and sanded in such a way that no joints are visible - for any length of the kitchen. + Repairable: artificial stone is restored to its original appearance by simple grinding.

- The material is also produced in bright colors, but it is always monochromatic or has stone blotches of various kinds... The texture can hardly be called "rich".

- Such a panel costs at least twice as expensive as a laminated wall panel.

3. Flexible veneer (artificial stone in veneer, flexible stone)

For whom: for those who need texture natural stone or natural wood at a relatively affordable price.

Price: from 5000 rub. per sq.m. The flexible stone consists of a sandstone cut with a thickness of 1–2.5 mm, a polymer binder and a textile base. In the photo - spruce veneer based on Corian.

Flexible veneer is almost indistinguishable from the original in appearance.

To be repaired locally.

Easy to assemble without specialist assistance.

- A limited number of shades.

- Requires special care due to its hygroscopicity: treatment with protective impregnations once a year.

4. Skinali: tempered glass wall panel

For whom:

for those who want to dissolve the kitchen in the living room;
when there is a task to use wallpaper (covered with glass) instead of an apron;
for those looking for a long-lasting apron with no seams but with a non-speckled / stone-like pattern.

Price: from 5000 rub. per sq. m

Fast installation option.

The ability to make any color and apply any pattern, you can make it transparent or mirrored.

- Due to its limited size, it is best suited for small kitchens.

- Requires a perfectly flat wall surface, since installation is carried out on special fasteners, and if the wall is uneven, the glass may crack.

- The glossy glass surface requires constant maintenance.

5. Boiserie: wood wall panel

For whom:

for those who want to visually extend the headset without upper cabinets;
for those who need to integrate the kitchen into the surrounding interior;
for owners of a spacious kitchen in a classic style.

Price: comparable to the price of an artificial stone and depends on the manufacturer.

Boiserie is a modular design consisting of narrow panels different heights mounted in a groove. External and internal corners and end pieces are used for mounting. Boiserie panels are often used in combination with artificial stone, for example for decorative finishing buffet areas.

Beautiful option for an interior that flows into a residential one.

Boiserie can be ordered in unexpected finishes - aged, tinted, unexpectedly painted.

- Difficult to clean due to the presence of grooves.

- Quite a high price.

6. Mosaic apron

For whom:

for lovers of variegated decors and gloss;
for owners of a small kitchen.

Price: from 2000 rub. per sq. m

A wide variety of sizes and shapes: from squares and rectangles to circles, pebbles.

A variety of materials used: glass, ceramics, stone, metal, wood.

Supplied in sheets of approx. 30x30 cm for easy installation.

Possibility of using on radius elements.

The ability to cut the sheet and use undercuts.

- High consumption of grout.

- Some elements can be displaced or peeled off from the base during installation, which requires painstaking restoration work.

7. Ceramic tiles

For whom: for those who choose proven and understandable solutions - most workers know how to work with tiles, laying an apron will not cause difficulties.

Price: from 1000 rubles. per sq. m - consists of the cost of tiles, grouting and installation services.

+ Rich in patterns, formats, thanks to which you can achieve various effects by styling or choosing a vibrant collection.

You can choose both expensive and budget tiles.

Not sheet material. No need to cut and work with large parts.

- Requires care and accuracy when laying out, skill from the tiler. - Assumes dirt to be repaired.

- Possible overpayment for extra meters when buying tiles in boxes.

What is important when laying a tile backsplash

1. Choose a suitable format

In a small kitchen, a large format will look out of place, as in a spacious one - a small mosaic. The most economical to work with is the medium format. If you compare the price of stacking, the smaller format is more expensive. If we talk about the price of the material, then you are more likely to overpay for large-format tiles: more tiles - more leftovers (which means unnecessary expenses). But an apron made of large-format tiles is easier to keep clean: there are fewer seams and a chance that fungus will start in them. Tip: Order the kitchen first. You just need to order - in this case, you will finally decide on the project and will no longer change anything. When you pay for the furniture order and get your hands on a project with dimensions, you will clearly understand which zones will be tiled and what area they get. And then you can more accurately calculate the consumption of tiles (and afford more expensive collections).

2. Determine the size

The fact is that 60 cm is not the only possible size of a backsplash for a tile kitchen. The first is the apparent size (the actual size must be larger). And secondly, in order not to get the effect “we didn’t have enough money,” the tiles should be behind the hood and “somewhere above”, behind open shelves.

How to determine the minimum size of a tile backsplash

Linear kitchen

Day of the beginning, we are looking for the estimated lower border of the apron (determines the kitchen set). We add up the height of the base (legs) and the height of the frame (cabinets) and subtract 2 cm.To determine the upper border of the apron, add 65 cm to the sum of the heights of the base and frame.It turns out that the apparent height of the apron is 60 cm from the table top to the hanging cabinets. And another 3 cm will be at the bottom wall cabinets... We put the tiles on all open surfaces where there are no cabinets, but add 5 cm to each side.For example, if a dome-type hood 90 cm wide is provided in the kitchen, and the distance between the cabinets is the size of the hood, then the tiles must be laid out to a width of 1 meter. If the kitchen ends with a refrigerator or pencil case, then we continue the apron by 5 cm behind it.

Corner kitchen

If we are talking about corner layout, then along one of the walls we get a visible abutment of the end of the cabinets to the wall. And the tile inserted under them will create a visible gap (since the tile has a thickness). For corner kitchen I advise you to count the end of the kitchen on the cupboards - not on the countertop. That is, you should not put the apron under the top row. Second important nuance- take into account the thickness of the tiles when laying on another wall: it can happen that it will annoyingly go 1 cm beyond the boundaries of the headset just because you did not take into account the thickness of the coating on the next wall.

For a corner kitchen, the calculation is as follows: we find the upper border (where the cabinets begin and the apron ends), we count down 60 cm from it and add a margin of 5-10 cm. Tip: Think about the symmetry and beauty of styling. For example, you can lay out the tiles symmetrically with respect to the hood, sink or other central element of the headset. Ideal when furniture and tiles come to door trim(as in the photo in this interior). The ends and cracks are not visible - the tiles can only be laid along the apron.

Linear kitchen uspor

Option one: we do not put tiles on the end wall at all. This option is acceptable if the sink is not in one of the corners, and the wall covering without tiles will be resistant to washing (as in the photo above).

Option two: we lay tiles on three walls.

We put the tiles outside the boundaries of the lower cabinets and upper wall cabinets. But to what depth? It all depends on the format of the tiles. If it is a large format, you can lay out tiles from the bottom to the top of the kitchen along the depth of the lower cabinets. If the average, you can lay out the apron to the depth of the lower cabinets, as in the example in this photo. If the tiles are small, you can make a smooth transition from the depth of the lower cabinets to the depth of the upper ones. But in this case, practicality is lost. If the end wall is small or is a sidewall of a technical box, it can be tiled completely. And in order to save money, choose a companion tile to the main tile on the apron.

When to break the rules

If you lay out the apron with small-format tiles (for example, honeycombs), you do not need to start the tiles for top cabinets, and "cut off" it without trimming. This will create an original uneven edge. Leaving the work area without a sink and stove, you can reduce the number of rows of tiles, reduce them to nothing or make a "stretch", skipping more and more more tiles, and finally nullify them.

In order not to lose in practicality, trim the spaces of the tiles decorative plaster and cover with a special protective compound. Tip: If the stove is far enough away from end wall(as in the photo), the tiles can only be laid along the main wall, leading it behind the cabinets and the hood. Important:Remember to put the tiles behind the sink cabinet and behind the dishwasher and washing machines... To do this, you can take any budget tile or trim from an apron tile.

Renovating a kitchen doesn't necessarily mean replacing old tiles. We will advise you on how to renovate your walls cheaply and quickly. You can do this work yourself or hire specialists in this field.

There are many options from which you can choose inexpensive solution for yourself. From the article you will learn how to make an apron in the kitchen cheap.

Often people choose apron trim MDF board highly resistant to moisture, easy to keep clean and available in a wide range of colors. Cheap kitchen aprons made of plastic are convenient because you can trim large sections of the wall with such MDF, connecting them with metal strips. You can also fix them with rods for hanging dishes or spices. Installation of an MDF apron is very simple. Inexpensive plastic kitchen aprons can be attached to the wall with self-tapping screws.

Such a MDF plate can be decorated with photo printing, this, of course, will increase its cost, but will allow you to create a very original interior... Plastic aprons are perhaps the simplest solution.

Inexpensive painting

To reduce the costs associated with bringing the wall over work surface to normal, you can paint over it. Should not, however, use ordinary paints that are used in other rooms. In this case, wall paint works best in the kitchen and bathroom. It is a special product with increased resistance to moisture and grease. This coating is also resistant to abrasion, which allows you to repeatedly wash the walls covered with paint. For an aesthetic effect, the surface of the wall to be painted must be perfectly smooth.

The paint is good decision for people who like to frequently change the appearance of the room. You can repaint such walls at any time in any color.
Washable vinyl wallpapers

The cheapest kitchen apron is washable vinyl wallpaper. However, this solution is not very durable.

How to upgrade your apron cheaply?

Are you planning a renovation, or do you dislike the interior of your kitchen, its appearance? Do you want to update the walls or old tile and looking for how to make an apron in the kitchen cheap? We offer you some ideas on how to make repairs and how to change the wall above the countertop, what are the ways to update the apron.

How to update old tiles in the kitchen

An old kitchen apron can be presented in a new light. If the wall is tiled, it must be thoroughly cleaned. If the tiles are glazed, detergent is sufficient. If stains are difficult to remove, using water and soap, vinegar, or baking soda.
It is more difficult to restore tiles that are not protected by a layer of glaze. If the stains have penetrated deeper, you can apply special means for unglazed tiles offered by chemical manufacturers.

Contaminated tile grout can be cleaned with ammonia or acid-based products, available as liquid concentrates that can be dissolved in water. If these funds do not help, then the seams will have to be updated.

Old mortar can be removed with a stylus, then the seams must be primed and a new solution applied.

This is an idea for those who do not want to knock down old tiles. You can update the wall above the work surface, or paint the tiles. There are special paints that can be used to paint it, but the procedure is laborious and the effect is short-lived.

This method can be used if in the near future we are planning a major reconstruction, but for this year we want to do a minor update of the wall.

Before painting, the surface must be cleaned and degreased, otherwise the paint will peel off and sprinkle. Each plate should be sanded with a fine sandpaper (eg 420).

If you want to avoid removing the old tile, you can glue the new tile directly onto it. The new cheap tile for the kitchen will make the apron completely different and you will not need to do the dirty work of knocking down the old covering. To do this, you need a special glue, which must be applied to the old tile in a very thin layer so as not to thicken the walls. You should also look for thin tile options - options are available with a thickness of 7 mm or even 3-5 mm. Old surface must be cleaned and any defects removed with a solution.

Places where the seams have been leveled must be treated with a primer solution. If we want to tile a larger section of the wall than the old one, the new place must be filled with a leveling mortar with a layer of the same thickness as the old tile.

Glass or drywall over old tiles

Old tiles on an apron for a modern kitchen can also be covered with other material. A fashionable solution is a sheet of glass that is screwed to the wall. In this case better fit frosted glass, it darkens the tile, or patterned options. Due to the high temperature around hob it is recommended to choose tempered glass. You can also install transparent glass walls through which you can see the old covering. The effect can be interesting if the old tiles are clean.

Other solutions used during wall renovation:

drywall, which can be painted with moisture-resistant paint,
veneer board finishing,
coating with thin sheet steel,
wallpaper or photomurals under glass.

Thus, there are many simple and cheap ways to upgrade a wall above a work surface. Of course, we cannot achieve ideal results with their help, but some solutions are quite acceptable. Laminated MDF panels, which are inexpensive, but have good durability, are easy to clean, are quite decorative, and wall defects, if any, can be hidden behind their surface.

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 hostess 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 that, 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 at all 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 in 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.
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 in 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 of 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 from the 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?

What is your kitchen apron? What to choose? Feedback is needed!

Elina:
We have a mosaic apron. I'm tired of something already for 9 years. Convenience is average. Such a pattern that drops and dirt are not very visible, but washing is not very convenient. Now they decided to put to new kitchen decorative rock... True, at first you need to at least somehow roughly imagine, then it will come of it.

Tatiana:
Three years ago we made our own kitchen. Decided on a countertop and wall panel black color. At first, it was somehow scary that it would be ugly in the end or impractical, but I liked everything.

Lyudmila:
And you can immediately buy a ready-made apron, and not assemble it yourself. We did just that. Bought a finished wall panel gray... By the way, it is very convenient in reality.

Svetlana:
When my husband persuaded to glass apron, then I was not very happy. I was preparing for the upcoming regular cleaning, one might say everyday. After some time, I had to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. For 3.5 months I have never made a big marathon yet. So only, I wipe it sometimes. Although water sprinkles something constantly from the sink when. But for some reason the drops are not visible after drying.

Many would agree that the most popular place in any home is the kitchen. The whole family gathers here for dinner or just for tea. Of course, I want this room to be cozy and comfortable. The kitchen should not only be beautiful, but also functional. A very important part of the interior is the kitchen apron, it contributes to the creation of the mood of the whole room in many ways. What to make an apron in the kitchen so that it is practical, modern and stylish, we will consider further. And we will also find out which ones exist modern ideas, and what materials are used for this.

What should be a kitchen apron

First, a few words about what a kitchen apron is.

A kitchen apron is the part of the wall between the work surface of the countertop and the hinged kitchen cabinets... Typically, this area covers the wall, which is located next to the stove, sink and work table.

What requirements must be met modern apron for kitchen:

What to make an apron in the kitchen to meet these requirements, we will consider further.

What materials are used for a kitchen apron

Currently, a very large number finishing materials, let's name those that are used to design a kitchen apron:

Fake diamond.
Tile.
Mosaic.
Plastic panels.
Mirror surface.
Glass.

Modern kitchen apron ideas

Let's list some original ideas apron for the kitchen:

Tiles are used like marble or granite, large sizes, and laid without seams. The table top is also made in marble.
Contrasting solutions. Several types and contrasting colors of tiles are selected. Suitable for styles such as high-tech, country, eco-style.
Ornamental pattern. Use individual elements apron, decorative border, vertical and horizontal stripes. The combination of white tiles with a pattern on the tiles.
The use of metal mosaic.
Original combination: mosaic and white tiles on the apron. The kitchen will attract attention with bright tiles or patterns, and also such a solution will dilute the white monotony of this room.
Combining smooth tiles with mirror tiles.
Applying volumetric images to tiles.
combined with retro style.
Mirror surface as one sheet or cut into rectangles, bricks or geometric shapes.

Kitchen apron made of ceramic tiles

Very often this type of finish is used, as this material is considered very practical and hygienic. Currently, there is simply a huge selection of tiles, from cheap and budget option to expensive Italian tiles from leading foreign manufacturers.

Note positive sides such a finish:

Easy to clean, practical material, allows you to use any cleaning products.
Resistant to moisture.
Lasting.
Heat resistant.
Does not absorb fat, resistant to any alkaline and acidic solutions.
A large assortment of tiles allows you to make a choice in favor of any interior.
Tile can be different forms, sizes, different textures, with a pattern or not.

What are the cons to using tiles:

It is difficult to lay, if there is no skill, then it is better to contact the master. Time consuming and dirty work. Additional costs for mortar or glue.
When changing a tile, it will take a lot of time and effort to break it off. This is extra time and money.

If this method does not suit you, and you have not yet decided what to make an apron from in the kitchen, consider the mosaic tile option.

Mosaic tile

If you want an original and unique design, an apron is perfect for you. The advantages of this finish are similar to the advantages of ceramic tiles, since they are made of the same material, but there are also some peculiarities:

The disadvantages include the fact that laying an apron in the kitchen from mosaic tiles will take a long time. This is a very laborious and time-consuming process that requires large investments and skills.

Mosaic, as a rule, implies the use of several colors, often more than three, but this is not acceptable for every room design.

You can use any detergents for washing such a surface, since the mosaic can be:

Ceramic.
Glass.
Smaltovaya.
Mirror.
Metallic.

Only mosaic with a pattern applied on top and mirror should not be washed with abrasive substances.

Smalt mosaic has amazing properties, emitting a mysterious light, while it has the ability to change its shade depending on the lighting, which gives the room originality. Mosaic tiles for kitchen apron made of smaller elements look more eccentric than larger ones. If you want to lay out a mosaic from pieces different sizes, it is better to invite a specialist.

Consider another type of popular kitchen backsplash material - plastic.

PVC kitchen apron

A plastic apron for the kitchen is chosen by those for whom practicality and relatively low repair costs are important.

Plastic can be used not only for a kitchen apron, but also for walls and ceilings.

PVC panels are made of solid polyvinyl chloride by extrusion. V chemical process ethylene, chlorine and hydrogen are involved. The material is considered environmentally friendly and safe. The composition contains stabilizers that extend the life of the plastic.

There are such types of PVC panels:

Pros and cons of plastic

The PVC apron for the kitchen has the following positive aspects:

Easy to install. The walls do not require any special preparation.
Affordable.
Resistant to moisture.
Simple and easy to clean.
Large selection of drawings.
You can also apply the picture yourself or cover it with self-adhesive film.

If you decide to make a plastic apron for the kitchen, you need to know it negative sides:

You should not check the material for strength, it is easily pierced with a fork or knife. A pinpoint strike is enough to damage the wall.
It cannot be installed in the immediate vicinity of a stove, oven, since at high temperatures the material is easily deformed, and during combustion it releases toxic substances.
Easy to scratch or damage with chemical.

The PVC apron for the kitchen can be fixed in two ways:

The panels are directly attached to the wall.
A special frame is being prepared on the wall, to which the kitchen apron is attached.

Consider another option that is gaining popularity. This is a mirrored surface.

Kitchen apron with a mirror surface

Mirrored tiles significantly expand the kitchen space and contribute to even lighting. At the same time, it requires high-quality laying, and before that the wall must be carefully prepared, since its slightest irregularities or cracks will damage the mirror sheet.

What are the advantages of a mirror apron:

If you chose a mirror option when deciding what to make an apron from in the kitchen, you need to know the negative aspects of such a finish:

High cost compared to other materials.
Difficulty in installation, requires painstaking and skill.
Laboriousness in cleaning the surface, it is necessary daily care... Do not use abrasive substances.
The material, if not hardened, is very fragile and sensitive to impact and mechanical damage.

Choosing a mirror apron for the kitchen, you must take into account its size, the number of windows, the arrangement of the interior.

A mirror apron can consist of:

From mirrored panels. It can be one big panel. Allows you to create a feeling large space, while there should be no unnecessary things, objects that will create a kind of disorder.
From a mirror tile in the form of a brick or tile, but with this option, dirt accumulates at the joints. The finish can be matte with a geometric pattern or in the form of broken glass.
Mosaic from pieces of different sizes and shapes looks very original.

The mirror surface can be used for styles such as techno, loft and modern.

Glass apron for kitchen

One of the innovations in modern design is a glass apron in the kitchen.

It should be noted that the glass must be heat-resistant or triplex, at least 6-8 mm thick.

Can be done in the following ways:

This design has its advantages:

It is an environmentally friendly and safe material.
With a careful attitude, it will last a long time.
The glass apron is the most hygienic.
It is simple and easy to care for.
Does not lose its qualities and does not deform under the influence of acids, salts, food colors, fats, oils.
Resistant to high temperatures and moisture, which allows it to be placed near the stove or sink.
It is easy to assemble and dismantle.
A wide variety of solutions.

A glass apron for the kitchen also has its drawbacks:

Although it is easy to clean, you will need to wash it much more often to keep it tidy.
Glass can be easily scratched with improper care and careless use.
An apron made of this material is not suitable for every style.
High price.

It is very important to properly secure the apron.

Attaching and maintaining a glass apron

If we talk about a glass apron, then the following options are used for fastening:

Using fasteners.
Using adhesives.

It is necessary to fix the glass on a prepared flat wall, otherwise it may crack. Experts do not recommend fixing the canvas more than 2.5 meters, in this case the installation process is much more difficult. You can use several smaller canvases, the joints will be practically invisible.

You can also make the backlight of the glass backsplash, and the kitchen will noticeably change.

Taking care of such an apron is not at all difficult:

First, we wipe it with a dry and soft cloth from dust.
Then we apply a glass cleaner and wipe it first clockwise, then counterclockwise.
At the end, be sure to wipe the glass dry. First, wipe vertically and then horizontally.

If you wipe the glass regularly and follow all the rules of operation, such a kitchen apron will last a very long time and will always attract the attention of guests and delight the household.

Installing sockets on the apron

Of course, the kitchen should have required amount sockets. And you can't do without them on a kitchen apron. Here are some guidelines for installing them in your kitchen:

Do not install the socket above the stove or sink.
The sockets on the kitchen apron are installed 1-1.5 meters from the floor.
It is recommended to install deep outlets or with special plastic protective covers.
Before installing the apron, holes are cut in the wall for sockets and wiring is done.
If there is a glass apron, the manufacturer must make the apron according to the proposed scheme with the indicated openings for the outlets.
When placing sockets on an apron, it is recommended to do this along the edges. working area.
Above the countertop, the installation of the outputs is allowed at a level of 10-30 cm.

When choosing what material to make a kitchen apron from, it is necessary to take into account that it must meet the following simple parameters:

When choosing, be sure to pay attention to the color, texture, whether the material is suitable for the general interior of the room. And, of course, all finishing materials should be purchased from trusted and reliable manufacturers. You can study customer reviews before that. Considering these simple recommendations, then after the renovation, the kitchen will shine with a new light.

Water, dust and other negative influences. To the working wall a number of requirements are put forward, incl. high strength and practicality, ease of care, the ability to withstand 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?

# 1. What materials can be used to finish the apron?

To all the requirements for the material of the kitchen apron described above, it is worth adding what it should have maximally 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 to organize an apron, the following materials are used:

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 then we will dwell on the characteristics of each of them.

No. 2. Ceramic tiles: an immortal classic

Most of us still opt for kitchen backsplash trim, and for good reason. it one of the best and most practical options, a 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;
, which, with a certain skill, can even be done independently.

With tiles, you can create a wide variety of effects, for example, with 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 the embossed ceramic tiles and in the inter-tile joints, 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

It's all General characteristics mosaics, because it can be different types and made of different materials:

ceramic mosaic repeats all the characteristics of ceramic tiles, only any patterns can be laid out from tiles measuring 2 * 2 cm;
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 it is quite rare due to the high price, and caring for it is difficult;
metal mosaic it is quite durable and practical, only there is no hope for a variety of shades and colors.

Of the minuses of the mosaic, it can be noted the complexity of the installation process and, in some cases, cost. You need a perfectly flat surface, and you should treat them 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. Patterned glass panels are also called. 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. With UV printing, you can also get realistic, beautiful images, and you can apply any patterns and colors to the 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 skinned, are distinguished by high performance and external characteristics, but are not used so often due to high material cost 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 you wish, 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 very effectively illuminated, and it will acquire a 3D effect.

No. 5. PVC panels: cheap and practical

Uses for finishing a kitchen apron are one of the most budgetary ways organize the space of the working area. In addition to the price, this material has many other advantages:

ease of installation, because almost everyone can cope;
ease of care, the panels are very easy to clean and withstand even exposure to aggressive chemicals;
moisture resistance;
durability, moreover, the plastic does not lose its original appearance over time;
ability withstand temperatures up to 115 0 С, but before buying, it is important to inquire about the fire resistance of the material;
seams between panels can be decorated with special corners, which can even be matched to the railing or kitchen furniture.

A variety of colors plastic panels do not shine: pick up suitable material it is possible to match the interior of the kitchen, but it will not be unique, and it is quite possible that you will find exactly the same in the neighbor's kitchen. But it’s not that bad. 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. Her the main advantage is low cost... In addition, the range of colors of such films is simply huge: natural materials, landscapes, ornaments, etc. You can cope with the gluing of such material yourself, the film is resistant to mechanical damage, but on this it pros end.

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

No. 7. MDF panels: budget and practical option

No. 8. Natural and artificial stone

A natural stone for the organization of the apron is used extremely rarely, but if it is used, it is often granite. Although the material is moisture resistant, it can withstand high temperatures, it is heavy and expensive and requires special care. Often a stone apron is created in continuation to.

Alternative to natural stone - artificial analog, 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 is much lower than that of a natural stone, therefore the working wall can be safely finished in a similar way.

No. 9. Mirror: original, but troublesome

There are probably more minuses to a mirror apron than pluses, although the issue must be considered individually in each case. The ability to reflect and double the floor space can play a trick: the amount of dirty dishes will also be doubled... It often happens in the kitchen high humidity, therefore the mirror may fog up, and its appearance deteriorates at the same time. 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 interior in... 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 on the metal all splashes are clearly visible, drips, stains. 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 such a finish lies in 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?

Kitchen apron can finish with paint or, of course, with maximum water resistance, but if you cook something more or less often, then this option is not suitable, especially if it comes about light colors of finishing.

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

use broken and whole pieces of ceramic tiles and utensils... First, you will need to lay out all the fragments on the floor or on a table, and then carefully mount them on the wall. It comes out stylish and original;
the remains of the parquet might also come in handy. It is fixed on a sheet of moisture-resistant chipboard, for example, with a herringbone, and about hob in addition, a transparent tempered glass panel is mounted on top to protect the material in the most critical area;
wine corks- an excellent option for organizing the space of a kitchen apron, however, you will need a lot of them - about 1000 for an apron, 2 meters long. They can be cut in half lengthwise to use them more economically, and it will be easier to fix in this way. You can cut the corks across, and also get the original effect. It is better to glue them not on the wall, but on a sheet of moisture-resistant chipboard, in order to further facilitate the dismantling process for yourself. Cover such an apron with tempered glass in order to preserve the necessary for the working area with the original appearance performance... Finding such a number of traffic jams is not as difficult as it seems: you can ask around in bars and restaurants, or even search on message boards; seems wild, but if you cover them up glass panel, then everything falls into place. You can use any