How to choose an apron for a kitchen set

A kitchen apron is a small section of the wall between the lower and upper tiers of a kitchen unit. Such a panel protects the wall from pollution, greasy and wet splashes, hot steam, and also gives the interior a complete look.

What should be the apron

For the product to perform protective and decorative functions, it must be made of special materials that can withstand such factors as:

• heat;
• sudden changes in temperature;
• mechanical impact;
• high humidity.

In addition, the surface should be easy to care for, it should give a feeling of coziness and luxury, in harmony with the headset and equipment used, and also complement the design of the room. In order to choose the right material for installation, it is worth considering the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular products, as well as the right choice of wall panel for kitchen furniture.

The modern market offers a wide selection of apron materials in the kitchen. Of course, not all of them can boast of practicality, high durability and excellent aesthetic characteristics. Consider the most popular surfaces that are able to fully meet the conditions of the kitchen area, that is, they are easy to clean, withstand different temperatures, resistant to chemicals and so on.

Ceramic tile. Perhaps the most popular material, which is versatile and practical. The advantages of this product include:

• easy surface care;
• fire resistance;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to chemical care products;
• immunity to temperature extremes;
• environmental friendliness;
• high durability;
• aesthetics;
• wide design variety, including the possibility of photo printing and imitation of the surface of wood, concrete, stone, metal and so on.

Among the shortcomings include:

• installation complexity;
• difficulty maintaining joints in perfect condition;
• high cost.

Important! It is recommended to choose a smooth matte tile, since it is much easier to clean it than a glossy embossed surface, and it is also optimal to use waterproof grout of dark shades.

Mosaic. This option allows you to create a bright, luxurious and unique kitchen design. The product can be made of glass, smalt, ceramics, stone, metal and other materials. Among the advantages can be identified:

• durability;
• attractive appearance;
• high moisture resistance;
• easy care.

However, the disadvantages include the high cost and the fact that the mosaic is difficult to mount, the help of specialists may be required.

Metal. Stainless steel can also be a great solution for creating a kitchen apron. The positive sides of the material include:

• simplicity in leaving;
• resistance to mechanical and chemical effects;
• durability and wear resistance.

However, if you choose a polished metal, you will have to handle it very kindly, since even small impurities are visible on such a surface, as well as drops of water and fingerprints. In addition, it should be understood that this texture is not suitable for all versions of kitchen sets.

Strained glass. This is a beautiful and durable material that allows you to create an original design. The benefits include:

• beautiful view;
• high strength when choosing glass with a thickness of at least 8 mm;
• wide design choice - frosted glass, tinted, transparent, painted and so on;
• easy care;
• affordable cost.

Attention! Of course, it is important to understand that such an apron is not suitable for any kitchen set, so you should carefully choose this material.

Also popular and interesting solutions include materials such as plastic, MDF panels and stone (artificial or natural). Choosing a specific option, it is worth starting from personal preferences, financial capabilities, as well as the features of the space in the kitchen and the installed headset.

To get a harmonious look of the kitchen space, you should consider not only the design of the walls, ceiling and flooring, but also choose the right color for the apron in accordance with the selected set. In general, we can say that the apron is an independent element, but still, when choosing a color, you should rely on such techniques as:

• contrast with the color of furniture facades, for example, for a white furniture a bright apron - red, blue or yellow;
• the principle of opposites, that is, for light opaque cabinets, a glossy dark wall panel is perfect;
• the combination of colors, in particular, the color of the apron can overlap with the tone of the upholstery of chairs, curtains, flooring and other surfaces.

Also considered an ideal option when the apron is matched to the color of the countertops, walls or kitchen unit. If the kitchen is decorated in two-tone colors, then the protective panel is recommended to be performed in an intermediate tone between two shades.

When choosing a kitchen apron, it is worth considering its height and size. According to the rules, the height is 60 cm, but in some cases there may be exceptions. The width is chosen so as to close the wall along the countertop, sink and hob. Also, choosing an apron, it is worth considering such moments as:

• harmonious combination of wall panels with the interior of the kitchen;
• the bright color of the apron can lead to rapid eye fatigue;
• so that the panel becomes an accent in the kitchen, you can give preference to materials with a glossy surface;
• the size of the picture on the apron should correspond to the dimensions of the room;
• for visual expansion of the space, it is recommended to choose a material with horizontal lines;
• Mirror materials will help expand the kitchen area.

Important! The material for the apron should be distinguished by high strength, wear resistance, ease of care, safety, moisture resistance and temperature resistance. Of course, when choosing a panel, you should know which solutions are best avoided.

Some solutions can significantly spoil the impression of a kitchen design. Consider the most common mistakes.

1. Mount a mirror apron so that it does not reflect a lot of small objects, otherwise you can get the effect of a cluttered space.
2. In a small space, you should not install a wall panel with a large pattern and vice versa, otherwise it is difficult to achieve harmony.
3. For small kitchens, it is optimal to choose an apron of neutral colors, if the choice is made in favor of bright colors, then the space will become uncomfortable.
4. It is necessary to combine colors correctly, especially it is worth treating a duet of white and black, since such a combination can reduce the already small space.

Summing up, we can say that only by choosing the design of the kitchen apron and the material of its production correctly, you can really create a harmonious and comfortable space in the kitchen. There are also many photos on which you can clearly see how the apron fits the interior.