home · Tool · Kitchen apron tiles or glass. What is the best way to make an apron for the kitchen: we choose according to the criteria and advice of experts which apron is best to make. Kitchen apron made of plastic

Kitchen apron tiles or glass. What is the best way to make an apron for the kitchen: we choose according to the criteria and advice of experts which apron is best to make. Kitchen apron made of plastic

The name “kitchen apron” appeared by association with the work clothes that were worn while cooking. Having a similar protective function, the surface between the desktop and the cabinets also has a decorative purpose. Often it is also a bright accent element of the room. We will consider the questions of which apron to choose for the kitchen, which material is best suited for these purposes, in this article.

An example of a kitchen apron with bright fruit accents

Requirements for a kitchen apron

The apron in the kitchen is an area located in a narrow strip between the countertop and wall cabinets. Moreover, this is a problem area, which daily receives drops of water and splashes from cooking food.

An apron with a laconic ornament over the work area

There are different types of aprons that can make this part of the wall beautiful and practical. But they all share common requirements:

  • heat resistance and moisture resistance;
  • immunity to chemicals;
  • strength;
  • ease of care.

Using mosaic ceramic tiles for a backsplash

No matter how neat the housewife is, she still has to wash the kitchen apron. It is not always possible to clean it with plain water and a sponge. There are a number of chemicals designed to remove grease. Therefore, the wall surface must be well resistant to water and cleaning agents.

Metal coated apron

It is worth taking care of the joints of the work surface and the apron. To prevent dirt and water from getting into these places, they are treated with silicone sealant and covered with a plastic or ceramic baseboard. And to protect the seams, moisture-resistant grout and special varnish are used.

This is how ceramic tile grouting works

Important! Traditionally, the entire strip of wall between the work surface and the upper cabinets is covered with an apron. But at the request of the owners, individual parts in the area of ​​the hood and sink can also be decorated.

A colorful apron above the work area in a linear kitchen set

Types of aprons by material

When deciding which apron to choose for the kitchen, it is worth considering several types of materials. The operational and aesthetic properties of the area near the work surfaces, as well as its durability, depend on them.

Kitchen apron made of mosaic ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular finishing materials and can be used in kitchens with different stylistic trends. And a huge selection of colors and textures allows you to turn even an ordinary kitchen with modest furniture into a stylish room. The service life of tiles varies: ceramic will last 15 years or more, glazed - more than three decades, double firing will allow it to retain its qualities for half a century.

Apron made of ceramic tiles of the same texture, different shades

The tiles are known for their fire resistance, which is important for a kitchen with a gas stove. It is resistant to water and easy to maintain, easy to wash and clean, and dried drops of water and grease are not as noticeable as on other materials. Moreover, almost any chemical reagents can be used for cleaning.

Ceramic tiles as an ideal surface protection above the kitchen work area

Among the disadvantages of tiles, they note that they are difficult to install. Often, to lay out an apron from such material, you have to use the services of specialists. And high-quality tiles from a renowned manufacturer are quite expensive. But all costs will be recouped by ease of use and long service life.

Laying ceramic tiles for the future backsplash

Stone

Natural stone is rarely used to decorate walls in the kitchen. Such material is expensive and heavy. Its artificial analogue allows you to create a solid desktop surface that smoothly turns into an apron. Usually acrylic stone is used for it, which is hygienic and durable. A surface made of this material will fit well into any kitchen style from minimalism to country.

Exquisite kitchen apron made of natural stone

Among the advantages of artificial stone, there is a large palette of colors and various decors. Often they choose an imitation of natural material, such as granite or marble. Such an apron is easy to maintain and can be easily restored in case of scratches. Moreover, you don’t even have to remove it for repairs; the technician can do everything at home.

Artificial stone as an apron and countertop for the kitchen

You can complement such an apron with a sink, window sill and bar counter made of the same material, which will create a stylish and impressive interior.

Artificial stone as the main material for countertops and aprons

Artificial stone in the interior of a bright kitchen in the Provence style

MDF

This apron, which consists of thin sheets with a top furniture film, is popular due to its inexpensive price. It is easy to install. To do this, you only need to secure it to the frame or glue it to liquid nails. MDF panels are easy to dismantle.

MDF apron for the kitchen

Among the positive qualities, versatility should also be noted, since the apron fits well into any design. Manufacturers of kitchen sets offer panels in the color of the countertop with an additional corner plinth in the same design. It is moisture resistant and perfectly tolerates mechanical damage.

Kitchen apron made of MDF panels

One of the disadvantages of an MDF apron is its fragility: constant exposure to elevated temperatures and moisture will gradually render it unusable. Unlike ceramics or glass, the material is flammable and can release toxic substances when ignited.

MDF apron over the work surface

Mosaic

A mosaic apron is an unusual, but at the same time traditional option for wall decoration in the kitchen. It is made from the same material as large-format tiles, but has its own operating characteristics and spectacular appearance. The mosaic panel consists of small elements glued to a special base.

Bright mosaic tiles for a splashback in the kitchen

Note! The price of such an apron will be quite high. But with a huge variety of colors and patterns, you can choose the option that will perfectly fit into the style plan of the kitchen.

Mosaic tiles in the style of a kitchen set

In addition to the price, mosaic surfaces are difficult to install. It is imperative to pay attention to the seams, of which there are quite a lot, otherwise they can quickly lose their original appearance. The mosaic is also difficult to dismantle.

Laying mosaic tiles on a kitchen apron

Mirror

An extraordinary choice of material for a kitchen apron is a mirror. A long strip above the work surface will visually increase the available space. It will create a feeling of infinity and freedom. And on a sunny day or when the lamps are on, it can also fill the kitchen with additional light.

A mirror as an apron in the kitchen visually expands the scope of the room

Caring for such an apron is easy. The material is usually subjected to special treatment, so it withstands chemical influences well. It can be washed with ordinary kitchen products. The mirror withstands temperature changes well, and the manufacturing technology gives it sufficient strength.

Mirror surface of the kitchen apron

Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that with high humidity, such an apron quickly sweats. And all the stains and splashes will be very clearly visible on it.

Kitchen apron made of mirror mosaic

Glass

This material for the apron is new among other finishing options. It is made from glass panels with a thickness of over 6 mm. And it is decorated according to the customer’s wishes: it can be color photo printing or artistic matting. This material is also safe to use; the glass is specially tempered so that if the surface is damaged, sharp fragments do not appear.

Tempered glass splashback with built-in lighting

A glass apron is convenient in everyday life. It is easy to clean, and today there are a lot of special products to prevent stains. This material can also withstand high temperatures from a hob. The glass surface looks like a single sheet. This is done by sanding the edges and carefully joining the panels without visible seams.

Apron made of white frosted tempered glass

The disadvantage of a glass apron is its price and constant polishing of the surface.

Glass apron as an important decorative element in the kitchen

Plastic

This option suits many people because it gives a beautiful appearance to the kitchen apron at a low cost. Its service life can be five years. The plastic is installed and removed very easily, without requiring special and thorough preparation of the walls. Alternatively, such panels can have seams or be made seamless.

Exquisite plastic apron for the kitchen in rich red color

The design of a plastic apron can be very diverse: plain, with a pattern, photo printing; imitating various materials. You can choose different surface textures of the sheets: glossy or matte, with or without embossing. This kind of apron is easy to maintain, but you need to attach it at a sufficient distance from the stove or cover it with glass. Over time, scratches and damage appear on the plastic, so do not use hard brushes when cleaning.

Kitchen apron made of purple plastic

Apron design

When thinking about which apron to choose for the kitchen, some owners want to make a bright accent spot in the kitchen, while others prefer not to worry about the aesthetic side, focusing on practicality and usefulness.

Mosaic multi-colored apron for the kitchen

The following design options are available:

  • Neutrality. The selected option performs a purely functional task. But it happens that the combination of an apron and a tabletop, made in a single decor, becomes the highlight of the kitchen;
  • Contrast. The purpose of this decoration is to attract attention. A contrasting apron can break up the monotony of the kitchen color scheme and place emphasis on this particular area;
  • Brightness. The wall above the desk in a similar color sophistication will create a heightened mood in the interior. Various accessories are selected to support it: curtains, cabinet handles, towels;
  • Style. A kitchen apron can become an indispensable element that supports the style direction of the room. For example, a subject panel for classics, imitation of old wood for Provence, a metal base for techno - such a design creates the right mood in the design.

When thinking about what material to choose for a kitchen backsplash, plastic, tile or glass, get acquainted with other options. The building materials market can offer aluminum, wood, and decorative bricks.

Metal apron for the kitchen made of sheet aluminum

Wooden panel as an apron and countertop

But when deciding to purchase, think that you will only have to purchase 3-4 square meters, and the requirements for such a surface are quite high. Therefore, you should not skimp on material, especially since housewives have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. And not only look at these walls, but also monitor their integrity and cleanliness.

The decoration of the kitchen space has changed quite a lot over the past two decades. With the advent of new materials, new opportunities have appeared - choose ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware, or maybe something else - a glass apron. It is difficult to judge which is better, because every owner of an apartment or house chooses the appropriate option in accordance with his ideas about beauty, practicality and the amount that will be spent.

Glass apron and its features

Glass is a material that entered the kitchen finishing segment not so long ago, but immediately gained popularity. In fact, there are many advantages of glass aprons for walls in the kitchen work area:

Variety of storylines.
Manufacturing technologies that guarantee durability.
The ability to turn the kitchen into a room that the designer worked on, even if this was not the case.
Excellent practicality, glass is easily cleaned from any kind of dirt.
Coexistence with any style of furniture.

A glass apron, contrary to popular belief, can be not only incredibly expensive, but also quite affordable. By installing it, you can visually expand the space, turning a small kitchen in a city high-rise building into a stylish room.

Among the disadvantages of glass in the kitchen, perhaps only one can be named: fingerprints will remain on the surface, and if they are not removed in time, the picture may be unsightly. However, with a variety of care products available, this is not difficult to do.

A glass apron is chosen by those who are not afraid of experiments, who love bright images and are ready to sacrifice generally accepted ideas about kitchen comfort.

Tile, tile and more tile

Ceramic tiles are a traditional material used to lay not only the work area, but also floors and walls in the kitchen from floor level to the ceiling. Collections from the best factories in the world replace each other, offering stylistic and price diversity. The quality of the tiles is such that the coating, with proper care, lasts from 10 to 20 years (and this figure can be exceeded).

Among the most obvious advantages of tiles:

Different colors and textures.
Variety of decorative details.
Various sizes and shapes, allowing you to beautifully beat any area.

Tiles require a professional approach not only in selection, but also in installation. To choose the right glue, you need to examine the walls in advance, and in addition, you need to select other materials.

What's better?

In fact, both materials are ideal for the kitchen. Both tiles and glass can withstand temperature changes, cope well with high humidity and are easily washed from any dirt. In addition, both options imply the ability to change furniture, choosing both a similar style, and changing it completely, choosing only a common tone with the walls.

The tiles have their own pattern, which evokes a feeling of geometric order in the kitchen, but a glass backsplash can delight with bright colors or views of the city at night, or can evoke idyllic joy with its landscapes.

An apron in a kitchen is a part of the wall between the upper and lower units, the main task of which is to protect against steam, grease and other contaminants. The harmonious design and convenience of the kitchen depends on it. That's why the leading selection criterion is practicality combined with aesthetic appeal. Below are the basic recommendations on how to choose an apron for the kitchen, taking into account the materials used to make it.

Tile splashback

In terms of price-quality ratio, ceramic tiles are the most popular type of kitchen backsplash. Its main advantages:

  • easy to clean and resistant to moisture and fire;
  • not affected by acids and alkalis;
  • allows different installation methods;
  • differs in different design and texture;
  • fits into any kitchen design.

The main disadvantage is seams that are harder to clean than the tiles themselves. High-quality grouts eliminate this drawback. The most practical apron is made of matte tiles - it is more resistant to scratches, cracks and is easier to clean than those made of glossy or embossed ones. On glossy tiles, traces of grease are less visible.

It is worth buying tiles of the same tone and from the same batch, since the difference between the samples may be too noticeable when decorating.

A successful choice of ceramic splashback design will highlight the advantages of the kitchen design and hide its shortcomings. In a small kitchen, it is better to use rectangular tiles, laid out in a herringbone pattern or diagonally. Samples with horizontal stripes will visually expand the room, while those with vertical stripes are recommended for low ceilings.

A white tile backsplash will make a busy space feel a little more airy. In a small kitchen, it is better to avoid overly colorful colors and not use large tiles. A brightly colored apron is appropriate for a laconic kitchen design in neutral colors. The most practical color is beige-brown, and white tiles are universal.

Glass aprons

Tempered glass is a combination of beauty and practicality. It will not crack from fire ( can be placed with a gas stove), does not absorb fat, is easy to clean and safe to use. The main disadvantages are non-budget prices and the need for installation by a master.

Attention! A glass apron will fit beautifully into a modern interior, but is not appropriate for a classic design, in country and Provence style.

Glass panels can be installed on top of wallpaper, wood or brickwork, which will ensure safe use in the kitchen while maintaining its original aesthetic appeal. Glass is also convenient for photo printing. This design creates a feeling of exclusivity in the interior decor.

The following variations exist:

  • Regular glass without a pattern. – Can be transparent (convenient for visually expanding a small space) or matte (more elegant and popular).
  • Apron made of painted glass. – It retains its original color well for many years, is highly durable and environmentally friendly. Plain panels are laconic but elegant.
  • Skinali - panels with ultraviolet photo printing applied to their surface - is a popular type of glass aprons. The drawings are applied to the reverse side, so they are protected from damage. They are not afraid of humidity and temperatures up to 130 degrees. Such panels cost much more than regular ones.
  • Glass splashbacks for the kitchen with vinyl film with a pattern are among the most budget-friendly in their category. But if the work is done poorly, minor damage may occur under the influence of high temperature.
  • Panels made of multi-color glass, between the layers of which there is a film with a pattern, are considered the most reliable and safe. They will not break or become cracked. Disadvantages: high price and difficulty in making holes for sockets.
  • Skinali with a mirror surface are the most luxurious, but the most expensive. Used to visually expand space.

Glass splashbacks are most appropriate in small kitchens. Their surfaces provide scope for creative ideas (from photo printing to drawing), which allows you to create original decor and give the kitchen a special atmosphere.

Attention! The optimal glass thickness for a kitchen apron is within 6-8 mm.


Plastic aprons

This is the most budget-friendly design option. This apron is easy to clean and does not require professional installation. It can be installed independently on any surface. Among the disadvantages is the inability to use in combination with a gas stove, as well as susceptibility to scratches and fading from sunlight. In a couple of years it will have to be replaced with a new one.

There are 3 main types:

  • Made from ABS plastic. – It is often decorated with photo printing, which makes it a budget analogue of skinali. Durable and resistant to minor scratches. It is heat-resistant (withstands heating up to +80) and does not emit toxic substances, but is not suitable for a room with a gas stove. Due to its flexibility, it can be installed even on a wall with uneven surfaces.

The main disadvantage is When overheated for a long time, it is easily deformed, and with strong impacts a crack or chip may form. Does not withstand contact with solvents. Service life – 3-5 years.

  • Made from acrylic glass. – This is an inexpensive alternative to tempered glass, characterized by lightness and increased impact resistance. Such an apron can be transparent (it can be used to protect wallpaper, posters) or decorated with photo printing. Installation is simple, but requires special care - the sheets may bend. This option is stronger than regular glass and cheaper than skinali, but among the types of plastic aprons it is the most expensive. The disadvantages include the impossibility of placement near a gas stove and the high price.

Acrylic glass panels must not be cleaned with aggressive cleaning agents!

  • Made from PVC. – The most economical and fastest design option. Such panels are initially made with a pattern (often imitation of various materials - brick, stone, leather). Disadvantage: When exposed to sunlight and detergents, they become unattractively yellow. PVC panels with a glossy finish are more wear-resistant than matte ones.

Poor quality panels can release toxic substances when heated. When purchasing, you need to find out about the quality certificate and make sure that they are suitable for kitchen decoration.

Metal and natural stone

Among the advantages of a metal apron are relatively budget prices, ease of maintenance and durability. The disadvantage is that the polished surface is impractical; stains, scratches and water stains easily remain on it. The surface must be cleaned every time after cooking.

Artificial stone is the most expensive design option for a kitchen apron, which is usually combined with a countertop made of the same material. Most durable in use. Microcracks may appear, but they can be easily restored. In terms of moisture resistance and degree of care, it occupies one of the best positions.

Apron size

The standard height is 60 cm. Such a kitchen apron is appropriate for a kitchen set without wall cabinets, and with them it is better to lower its height to 45-55 cm. The length usually does not exceed 2.5 m. For a large kitchen, you can choose a composite apron.

There you will find recommendations on which glass to choose, what kinds of glass splashbacks there are, a price overview and much, much more. And in this post we will tell you what the most common mistakes are made by people who decide to order a glass apron for themselves. We hope this will help you save money and get the results you dream of.

Mistake 1. Ordered an apron before installing the kitchen

A glass apron has a very important advantage over it - there is no “dirty” work during its installation. Therefore, it can and should be installed after the kitchen has been renovated and the set has been assembled. Experts are unanimous: you should not order an apron in advance. When the upper and lower cabinets have already been installed, the dimensions of the future apron can be calculated with millimeter accuracy, which means it will fit perfectly into the kitchen design.

In many kitchens, the apron in the hood area has a characteristic protrusion. To make the selected pattern look harmonious, when ordering an apron, the designer can “increase” the desired fragment of the image.

Mistake 2. Forgot about the necessary holes

Once the tempered glass splashback is made, it is impossible to cut additional holes in it, for example, for an additional socket. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider where the sockets, roof rails and fasteners will be located, and how many there will be, in advance - at the measurement stage.

Mistake 3. The design of the glass splashback does not match the style of the kitchen set

A glass apron looks most harmonious in modern-style kitchens and high-tech kitchens. However, if you have a classic kitchen, but really like glass panels with photo printing, then manufacturers have many good options.

For a classic or country kitchen, glass with a frosted surface is recommended. The plot of the drawing is especially important. In the classic style, a glass apron with a panorama of the ancient city and a gastronomic still life (coffee, wine, food, fruit) would be appropriate. A good option is a neutral apron with spectacular textures and textures applied using photo printing (brick, fabric, wood, stone). A pattern imitating natural marble, granite or slate looks very interesting.

A universal version of the apron is a glass panel with an intricate pattern, continuing the pattern on the curtains or wallpaper, or painted in a single color.

If you have a bright modern kitchen with colored facades, and you want to complement it with a glass apron, plain or with a pattern, it is very important to get the right tone exactly. To do this, some glass splashback manufacturers offer a service called color proofing. On a small piece of glass, a specialist prints a test fragment of your future apron in three options - the main color, a tone darker and a tone lighter. This is necessary in order to avoid errors in color nuances due to possible technical reasons. For example, due to different computer monitor settings.

A very useful option that many manufacturers offer for an additional fee is virtual apron fitting. The specialist will make a photo montage, “trying on” 3 options for aprons with the selected pattern in a photo of your kitchen. This will help ensure that you have selected the correct image.

Error 4. Wrong type of glass

The most reliable, durable and safe apron is made from tempered glass. However, many, wanting to save money, decide on an apron made of ordinary glass (tempered glass costs on average one and a half to two times more). However, the end result may not be what you expected. “Raw” glass scratches more easily. Unlike tempered glass, it is easier to break if accidentally hit with a heavy object. It can also crack under high heat if the stove is gas.

Mistake 5. Disproportional drawing size

It is very important that the design on the glass splashback is commensurate with the dimensions of your kitchen. Large items on the apron, such as flowers or fruits, will visually make a small kitchen even smaller. If there are a lot of vertical parts in the picture, the section of wall between the cabinets will appear “stretched” upward. Horizontal images visually expand the kitchen space.