No one will argue with the statement that the kitchen is one of the most visited and favorite places in the house or apartment. The owners of spacious rooms here set up sofas or large round tables to pass the evening at friendly gatherings or with family, acquire expensive furniture. Small owners also try to comfortably equip their tiny kitchenettes. Fortunately, on the market today there are a huge number of accessories for this room and furniture sets. For any, as they say, taste and wallet. Nevertheless, there is in every kitchen, regardless of how and what it is furnished with, an area that will be equipped in accordance with generally accepted rules. This is the space between the lower and upper headset cabinets. And they call it simply - an apron. And it must meet certain requirements and be made of special materials. We will talk about what types of aprons come from and what they are made from in our review.
General requirements
All types of aprons available today are so diverse that it is sometimes difficult to make a choice. However, in any case, it is worth remembering that the material from which you will make the cladding must meet very specific, and very stringent requirements. After all, an apron is a zone located above the work table and stove, so it is exposed to steam and all kinds of pollution more than any other places in the kitchen. Therefore, considering all available types of aprons, choose a material that can be easily and quickly cleaned. And even better, so that the dirt on it was not particularly visible. Well, this question is solved more due to the drawing and coloring.
Considering all the types of kitchen aprons offered by manufacturers, give preference to those products that are likely to be resistant to moisture and temperature extremes, which means they will serve for a long time and faithfully, without losing their external attractiveness.
As for the design, there are no general requirements here today. An apron for the kitchen can be selected taking into account the color of the facades of the headset, countertops, wallpaper on the wall or even choose an option that will look like a bright spot against the general background. As already mentioned, the types of aprons are very diverse, so that in terms of design problems will not arise at all. We, in turn, will try to help with advice. And we will talk about the fact that the most often facing this zone. That is, in other words, what types of aprons are most popular.
Tile
No matter how numerous types of aprons offered by manufacturers, ceramic tiles - a long-lived among all finishing materials for the kitchen - have always been and will probably remain in the first place. This facing material has a lot of advantages and almost no shortcomings. It is durable, not afraid of temperature changes, it is easy to clean, in addition, it is fireproof, which is first of all worth paying attention to the owners of stoves. Dirt on the tile is also less visible, as well as smudges of fat, especially if the coloring is appropriate. The ceramic apron will have an initial attractive appearance over the long term.
What are the types of tiles for an apron in the kitchen? Yes, very different! You can simply purchase a tile that is most suitable for the color and pattern of the existing interior, thereby creating an individual design, or you can buy ready-made sets of panels. Or even order photo printing.
As for the shortcomings, there are perhaps only two of them. The first is that putting ceramic tiles with your own hands is sometimes quite problematic. Especially if the base coat is not very pleased with the quality. The second is that it is quite difficult to remove it from the walls if necessary. However, we solve the issue. Carefully choose the material and in appearance, and in quality, and with its shortcomings you do not have to face. But the price will undoubtedly please.
Mosaic apron
By and large, this is a type of tile. True, today mosaics are made not only of ceramics, but also of metal and glass. A very modern version of the surface design above the desktop. And especially suitable for facing rounded surfaces. The disadvantages are similar to those of ceramic tiles, plus the cost of such finishes is much higher.
MDF
A budget option, such an apron is most often purchased along with a kitchen set when it is made to order. As for color solutions, here the choice is huge, but most often it is made the same as the countertop, which allows you to create a harmonious design. This, by the way, is the most budgetary solution. If someone wants the apron to be different, then you can order photo printing, that is, apply any picture you like on the surface of the MDF.
As for the pluses, this is primarily the low cost of the material, and secondly, the ease of installation. They fix it to the wall with the help of a frame or even, if the surface allows, using liquid nails. Removing such a panel from the wall is as simple as fixing it.
Among the shortcomings, it should be noted that such aprons are short-lived. Especially if you remove dirt from them using aggressive chemicals. In addition, it cannot be called a plus and the fact that these panels relate to combustible materials.
Glass
Considering the types of finishing an apron and not experiencing a shortage of money, you can opt for the glass version. Such panels appeared on the market relatively recently and they are quite expensive, but they have such an attractive appearance that few regret the amount spent. Unless only when faced with the shortcomings of such an apron. In second place among which (after cost) is the need for almost daily care. Indeed, even the smallest dirt is visible on the glass, let alone one that is located next to the surface on which it gurgles, carefully spraying greasy drops and borsch in all directions. So, if you have a glass apron in the kitchen, be prepared for the fact that with a rag and cleaner you will have to stand near it every day.
As for the pluses, it is primarily the appearance. The glass panel can be simply plain and with a pattern applied to it. And in the latter case, manufacturers offer almost artistic masterpieces that are ready to decorate the wall not only in the kitchen, but also in the museum. Such an apron is made from a solid one, so that there are no seams on it, in which fat or dirt will accumulate. Well, mounting it yourself, of course, is also undesirable.
Plastic
This is a simple and perhaps the most short-lived version of the kitchen apron. It is inexpensive, but it also does not last long. Since it is scratched during cleaning, absorbs odors, it can deform when the temperature drops, which, as you know, is not so uncommon in the kitchen. Combustible. But as it is mounted, it is removed very quickly.
Mirror Panels
The option is extreme, but having the right to exist. Firstly, unusual. Secondly, it’s beautiful. Thirdly, you can visually expand the space of the kitchen. True, the latter plus is rather doubtful. Due to the fact that the kitchen will visually become larger, you can’t put an extra refrigerator here, but all the disadvantages if you haven’t cleaned for a long time will also be visible on the other side of the desktop. In addition, such an apron, however, like an ordinary mirror, will have to be washed very often.
Metal apron
A novelty on the market that appealed to fans of hi-tech, minimalism and loft. It is made, as a rule, from stainless steel, and therefore it has a corresponding appearance. True, on sale you can also find corrugated options with a pattern supplanted on them. It is durable enough, not afraid of fire, steam, temperature changes, but also requires daily care.
By the way, this and the mirror version can hardly be installed independently, since installation requires caution, skill and the presence of special fixtures and tools.
Stone kitchen apron
It is made of both natural and artificial materials. The first ones are very expensive, and therefore they are not particularly popular. But the second ones are cheaper, they have far from the worst characteristics, in addition, they can imitate almost any surface. Such aprons are attractive in appearance, durable, easy to care for. Quite often, not only an apron is made of stone, but also a countertop, thereby creating an elegant harmonious interior.
Conclusion
We tried to talk about what types of kitchen aprons are most popular today. As you can see, there is a choice. You can buy expensive finishes, but you can find a more budget option. In any case, you can be sure that for almost any interior there is a suitable material.