Choosing an apron for the kitchen. What is better to make an apron for the kitchen: we choose according to the criteria and expert advice which apron is better to make. Features of arranging an apron from various materials

Today we will talk about the most popular materials for decoration. working area, compare them and find out what material is best suited for decorating a kitchen apron.

You will learn the pros and cons of each coverage, see examples ready-made solutions in the interior of conventional materials and aprons made by hand from non-traditional elements. Yaroslav Belyavsky, the owner of a repair company, a former master tiler with 20 years of experience in this profile, kindly agreed to help us decide.

Budget options

Apron for kitchen from PVC panels

PVC panels are now very popular, as they are inexpensive, and outwardly they cannot be distinguished from real tempered glass. But they don't look like that for long...

The surface quickly fades, is afraid of abrasives, as a result, it quickly scratches, acquiring a very shabby look.

In addition, PVC plastic panels are afraid of high temperatures, which means that it is completely undesirable to place them near the hob.

In a word, the option is cheap, but very bad and in the end it will cost you more than something more decent.

Apron for kitchen from wooden lining

The option is very cozy, inexpensive and looks just great. Such aprons look especially good in kitchens decorated in any of the country styles, for example, the same “Provence”.

Almost anyone can make such a coating and for this you do not need to involve professionals.

average price

Ceramic tile kitchen apron

Tiles have always been, are and will be the most the best option both practicality and price.

We placed it in the middle price category, but as you understand, it can be different: both very cheap and unrealistically expensive. But in general, people are more likely to choose average prices.

There is no point in talking about the advantages of a ceramic tile apron, everyone already knows this. And of the minuses, it can only be noted that not everyone can put it on their own, and this doubles the price of the apron.

Kitchen apron made of finishing bricks

Real brick cladding became popular at a time when loft and grunge kitchen designs came into fashion, suggesting bare walls or other intentional carelessness of decoration.

The brick apron looks pretty nice, but do not forget that washing it is completely unpleasant! Fat and dirt eat into the structure, are absorbed, rub it for a long time and tediously.

But, if such a prospect does not bother you, why not? In extreme cases, when you get tired of washing it, you can close the wall with tempered glass.

And one more thing: you do not need to use a solid brick for these purposes. Sufficiently narrow, which is used specifically for the external cladding of houses.

Stainless steel kitchen apron

Stainless steel is still an unusual option in the design of the working area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. But if you have a room interior in a modern style, we highly recommend paying attention to it. There are just a lot of pluses here, but there are no minuses in it.

Such an apron will cost quite inexpensively, it looks stylish, caring for it is simply elementary, and there is no question of durability!

Some are simply embarrassed by such a strict look and the “cold” of the metal. But if you look at the photo in the interior, it becomes clear that a stainless steel apron is appropriate in almost any kitchen, not only in the high-tech style, for example.

The only thing to consider when buying: do not take sheets that are too thin, they will not hold their shape and an unpleasant rumble can be heard when touched.

Also, don't take too much mirror surfaces, since the glare from the sun and lighting will be very annoying.

In addition to smooth sheets, there are also corrugated, matte, and embossed sheets on sale. Generally, a good option and affordable, despite the fact that it looks extremely modern and expensive.

Acrylic artificial stone kitchen apron

Such an apron is very similar to natural stone, its price is very affordable, and for those who, by all means, want to design a working wall in the form of a rock, this will be a good choice.

No photo printing can guarantee such naturalness. But, deciding on such a purchase, do not forget about the obvious disadvantages of acrylic artificial stone:

• He is very afraid of scratches
• He is afraid of hot (of course, he will not melt from the neighboring stove, but if a spark falls on him, then a trace will remain)
• He is afraid of aggressive chemistry, from the use of which whitish spots remain on him.

But, with all this, acrylic stone slabs there is one big plus: it is subject to restoration! True, if you treat the apron carelessly, then you will have to repair and patch it often, and this is not so cheap.

Expensive materials

Mosaic kitchen apron

A great option, but definitely expensive. In operation, no problems were found, such aprons serve for so long that they manage to get bored.

Among the shortcomings, one can only single out the fact that it is not always convenient to wipe greasy drops from thin crevices, therefore, it is advisable not to bring the dirt to the point where the dirt is firmly “ingrained”.

If you are interested in such a design, you can read about it in more detail in which lists all the pros and cons, as well as a lot of photos in the interior.

Marble kitchen apron

It is not so often possible to find a kitchen where such aprons are present, since this is an elite and very expensive type of coating. If you take a marble mosaic, it will come out a little cheaper than a solid slab, but it will be more difficult to care for it.

And despite the high cost, marble aprons have big disadvantage: dirt and grease are absorbed over time and are not very easy to care for.

Otherwise, it is an unpretentious coating, not afraid of scratches, not afraid of aggressive chemicals. But in fairness, many other coatings that are easier to care for have the same characteristics.

A marble apron has the right to exist only if you need to emphasize the status of the home.

Apron for kitchen from natural stone

The stone can be anything: from pebbles collected on the shore with your own hands to unrealistically expensive onyx slabs.

Here the choice is yours. As for the characteristics of any stone, only one thing can be said: it behaves in much the same way as marble, that is, dirt and grease tend to be absorbed.

To partially avoid these problems, you need to choose plates on which a durable, glossy coating is applied, since any natural stone has a porous structure.

Be sure to ask the seller how the plates were polished and what additives were used to protect against moisture.

Kitchen apron made of quartz agglomerate

The material is relatively new to the kitchen aprons market, although it has been successfully used for the manufacture of countertops for a long time. Agglomerate is not an artificial stone, such as acrylic.

This is a quartz crumb, which, with the help of pressing, vibration and the addition of a small percentage of binder resins, was turned into a monolithic slab.

The stone comes out extremely durable, devoid of any porosity and moisture inherent in a natural array.

Caring for it is very simple, the agglomerate is not afraid of any mechanical damage and reacts negatively only to the strongest acids (as they corrode the binding resins). Just an eternal apron that will serve you all your life, and then your grandchildren.

It has a lot of colors and such a stone looks natural. It is absolutely impossible to distinguish it from natural. A good choice, word. Feel free to recommend!

Glass kitchen apron

Heat-resistant glass is not cheap, but it looks very stylish. With its help, you can realize any fantasy and display any image: from a mirror image to your own self-portrait.

As for the operation - the material is good and does not cause any complaints in any way. It is durable and easy to maintain.

Fancy DIY aprons

Pebble kitchen apron

If you live by the sea, then for you this option will come out budget, while being extremely original! You just need to drive to the shore and bring pebbles. And then fix it on the wall, covered with a small layer of tile mortar.

As for the care of such a surface, it cannot be called the simplest due to the fact that the plane is not smooth. And one more thing: if you poorly fixed the pebbles, then they will fall out at the moment when you rub the apron with a rag.

But such a working wall looks just great! Look here please:

Splintered kitchen apron

A variant in the style of "hippie" practically. Naturally, it is very budget. But there is one “but” here: if you have bad taste, then you should not take on such work, as the result will be deplorable and sloppy.

To harmoniously match the shards, you need to have an understanding of color and feel the compatibility of textures. But if you succeed, then the guests will be delighted, 100%!

The assembly process itself is simple: the fragments are attached to some kind of base, such as cement mortar or gypsum plaster. The latter option is more preferable, as it is light, so bright glasses will look more contrasting and fresh on it.

Wine cork apron

The appearance of such a coating is very interesting. But, a cork is a cork: the material is porous and very soft.

Therefore, if you want such a working wall, you will have to cover it from above transparent plastic otherwise, in just a couple of months, the apron will look untidy and it will be simply impossible to wash it.

Kitchen apron with slate paint

Very very interesting solution in terms of design. In addition, a piece of the board above the desktop is practical: at any time you can write something down without being distracted from cooking. You can also leave notes to your family if you need to remind them of something urgently!

Making such an apron is very simple: take a smooth piece of plywood, cut a strip out of it right size, fasten over the countertop and paint with special slate paint in 3-4 layers.

Such paint is not cheap, but you can save money: cover the first two layers with ordinary paint, and the top ones with slate paint.

See how cozy and original these aprons look in the interior.

Well, our review has come to an end, and we figured out which kitchen apron is better. We wish you a successful completion of the repair!

And the gas stove must be covered with a practical screen that is resistant to moisture and high temperatures. The appearance of this area is also not on last place, it is the wall above the working area that is often used to place accents in the kitchen interior. If you plan to install the apron yourself, then the complexity and duration of installation play a big role. To make the right choice, you need to choose an option with the optimal ratio of all these qualities.

The surface of the wall above the countertop is the most loaded area of ​​the kitchen. Here are household appliances, a work area and a gas stove. Not every type of finish is able to adequately withstand all types of impacts associated with the operation of the kitchen for its intended purpose. Therefore, a number of requirements are imposed on the kitchen apron:

• Resistant to high temperatures. Since the heating of the screen surface is uneven, the material should not expand significantly. Flammability and low temperature melting is also not the best quality for an apron;
• Moisture resistance. The impact of liquids on the surface can manifest itself in different ways: direct contact, splashes, steam. Therefore, the apron must be chosen from materials that do not absorb water;
• Ease of cleaning. The surface of the screen in the kitchen is exposed to various types of pollution: dust, grease, food particles. It is important that the material does not change its appearance, even after prolonged contact with dirt;
• Mechanical strength. Since the surface of the apron will have to be cleaned frequently, and sometimes intensively, the coating must be resistant to abrasive substances and hard brushes. Micro-scratches and areas of worn paint will definitely not decorate the kitchen;
• Safety. Ecological cleanliness and the absence of harmful fumes is one of the most important qualities of a kitchen apron, because it can come into contact with food.

There are many materials on the market that fully or partially meet these requirements. Nevertheless, this is a difficult choice that requires taking into account all the features of the installation, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of aprons.

Types of materials for an apron

It is better to decide on the choice of material for the protective screen in the kitchen before installing the headset, as some types of finishes are mounted on a free wall.

Aprons made of solid or large fragments can also be fixed after placing the furniture, if they do not require "wet" types of work.

Before installing any apron, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the wall, check its integrity and reliability. It will not be superfluous to treat with primers with an antiseptic to protect against moisture and its inevitable companions - fungus and mold. It is important to pre-wire the wiring and make outlets for sockets.

When the wall plane is prepared, you can measure the area for the apron and proceed to select the most suitable materials. To do this, you can compare their advantages and disadvantages, and also evaluate the possible difficulties during installation.

Tile

The classic version of the facing of the apron - tiles different shapes, size and design. She is practical and accessible. Combinations of different shades and designs of tiles allow you to create unique and beautiful protective screens for the kitchen.

Material Features

Tiled tiles are a win-win option for decorating an apron. It will always be in fashion and will provide a comfortable and safe operation kitchens. The popularity of tiles is due to a number of advantages that distinguish them from other types of materials:

• Resistant to mechanical stress. Minor blows will not harm her, and the glaze with which the front surface is covered endures intensive cleaning;
• Does not absorb moisture. No wonder it is used for laying in the wettest places at home in the bathroom and toilet. In the kitchen, it will perform the function of protecting the wall from splashes and steam flawlessly;
• Easily tolerates uneven heating. The expansion is compensated by the presence of a small distance between separate elements finishes. But it is important to choose a good adhesive base and grout;
• Durable. The service life of a tile apron, subject to high-quality installation and glue, is at least 15 - 20 years;
• Safe. The material is environmentally friendly and non-flammable.

Among the shortcomings of the tile, the most significant is the seams, which are difficult to clean from dirt, and prolonged exposure to moisture can provoke the appearance of mold and fungus. But if you do not be stingy and choose a quality grout, these inconveniences can be avoided.

Installation of a tile apron

In order for the tile to adhere well to the wall surface, it is necessary to provide all conditions for high-quality adhesion. Check the plaster for voids and weaknesses. Prime and notch if the base is covered with a layer of paint that cannot be removed.

For laying tiles with your own hands, you will need special tools and materials:

• Glue;
• notched spatula;
• Crosses for seams;
• Grout;
• Tile cutter.

Installation can be done in different ways. The simplest - horizontal or vertical, it is best to choose for self-laying if there are no professional skills. More complex types will require the hands of a specialist: herringbone, offset, diagonally.

Laying must be done before the installation of the kitchen set. And since the first row of tiles will not start from the floor, but from the middle of the wall, it is necessary to temporarily install a guide rail.

Ideally, if the size of the tile is matched exactly to the size of the apron, then it does not have to be cut. But if there are outlets on the plane of the wall, you will need to work with a tile cutter. A guide to using this tool is provided in the video.

By changing the thickness adhesive composition small irregularities of the wall can be corrected, but not more than 10 mm. A layer exceeding this value is not allowed for wall cladding. The tile may "float" or fall off due to uneven drying of the adhesive.

It is imperative to insert crosses into the space between the individual fragments, and do not remove them until the composition seizes. Grouting is done only after complete drying.

Mosaic

A mosaic apron will become a bright accent of the entire kitchen. The variety of laying options and element materials can ensure harmony with the design and individuality. But working with this type of finish requires patience, skills and the selection of high-quality glue and grouting compound.

Material Features

Mosaic has all the advantages of tile, it is not afraid of moisture and pollution, resistant to temperature and mechanical damage, while it has a number of features:

• It is easier to lay around ledges and rosettes;
• To work with the mosaic, white glue is required;
• Differs in a wider choice of materials for the production of elements: ceramics, glass, stone, metal, mirror.

The disadvantage of a mosaic, the same as that of a tile, is the seams, which in this case are much larger. Only epoxy grout is suitable for sealing them.

Mosaic installation

Elements can be placed in a variety of ways. Designers use the game with color and shades, creating real works of art that will definitely be unique.

Types of mosaic laying:

For installation, you will need the same set of tools as for tiles. Glue is applied to the wall and to the mosaic panel. The fragment is installed on the apron and pressed a little. If the tile has a protective paper layer, it must be moistened a few minutes after fixing the fragments to the wall and carefully removed.

After 48 hours after installing all the elements, you can start grouting. Raster is applied with a rubber spatula and evenly distributed over the surface. After 20 minutes, you can remove excess grout with a soft cloth.

Glass

Aprons for the kitchen are made from tempered glass. It is stronger than usual and can withstand high temperatures. On such a screen, you can place any image, drawing or imitating texture.

Material Features

A glass apron is a practical and safe option. Contaminants are easily removed from its surface. Tempered glass or triplex (two glasses glued with a film) are resistant to mechanical stress. If, nevertheless, the screen breaks, then in the first case it breaks up into small fragments with non-sharp edges, in the second - the fragments are held on the film.

For mounting the apron, a glass panel is made according to the exact dimensions of the site, so it remains only to fix it. Seams are most often absent.

The image can be applied in different ways, they differ in cost, complexity and practicality.

• Pasting transparent glass with photo wallpapers is inexpensive and fast, but if moisture gets under the glass, the image will be damaged;
• Printing on vinyl film is a more reliable option, the film is not afraid of moisture, but over time it may peel off the glass;
• UV printing on glass is a durable and high-quality image that is resistant to any kind of external influence;
• UV printing inside triplex is the most reliable and expensive option, the image is protected on both sides.

There are practically no drawbacks to this type of apron. This is a beautiful and functional solution. In production, the necessary holes can be made in the glass for kitchen utensils and sockets. Stop in the choice of this material can only be its high cost. The life of the product depends on the quality of the printed image. Pure frosted glass or printing inside the triplex can serve for an unlimited time.

Installation of a glass apron

Installation of an apron made of glass is carried out after the installation of a kitchen set. Therefore, when measuring the length and width of the section, greater accuracy is required. Fixing can be done in different ways:

• Through holes (the most reliable mounting option, it is used by professionals, but when fixing with bolts, it is important to be extremely careful not to break the panel; decorative caps can be purchased to mask the fasteners);
• Canopies (do not require drilling of the glass surface, suitable for small aprons);
• Liquid nails (the easiest do-it-yourself installation method, but the wall surface must be perfectly flat).

It is better to seal the joint of the apron with the wall with sealantso that moisture does not get into it. All openings in the panel must be made at the manufacturing stage. You cannot drill the screen yourself.

MDF (medium density fibreboard)

A compromise design option for a kitchen apron is MDF. Plates are affordable and attractive in appearance. But their use is limited, therefore, before choosing this material, it is worth comparing its advantages and disadvantages.

Material Features

MDF is widely used in home decoration and furniture assembly. It is also suitable for the kitchen. It does not require perfect alignment of the wall surface for its installation.

The possibilities of the material are unlimited: it can have any shade and texture, imitate other types of finishes, such as stone and tile, any image can be applied to the surface using photo printing technique.

Installation is simple and fast. The service life of the material is only a few years, but given the low cost, such an apron can be changed frequently, which will not only get rid of the damaged screen, but also update the familiar kitchen.

Aprons made of MDF are not suitable for a kitchen that is heavily exploited. This option is appropriate for busy people who rarely cook and keep the room perfectly clean..

The material has some disadvantages:

• Does not withstand high temperatures;
• Frequent direct contact with water leads to deformation and peeling of the protective coating;
• Abrasives and solvents are not suitable for cleaning MDF;
• The screen surface is less durable than glass and tiles.

Despite the presence of all these disadvantages, the material is often used for kitchen aprons. It looks beautiful and expensive, while the cost of MDF is much lower than other types of finishes.

MDF installation

Perhaps there is nothing easier than installing an MDF apron. Its dimensions can be adjusted on the spot, but the cuts will need to be trimmed. It is easy to cut holes for sockets with a jigsaw and drill a plate to accommodate hooks.

Installation consists in fixing the panel with self-tapping screws or liquid nails to the plane of the wall. If the main surface is uneven, you can pre-place the slats on it and create an ideal plane with them.

PVC panels

The most budget option for decorating a kitchen apron is PVC paneling. They are offered on the market in large quantities, have a wide selection of colors and designs.

Material Features

Panels have many benefits. If we compare them with a material from the same price category - MDF, then the plastic has excellent moisture resistance, but also, like a particle board, it does not tolerate high temperatures and cleaning with abrasives.

In addition to deformation when heated, plastic ignites easily, releases toxic substances when melted, so it has no place above a gas stove. It is good for a work area where people often cook, as contact with water and dirt does not affect its appearance. The service life is also short - a maximum of 5 - 7 years with proper care.

Panel mounting

For installation you will need: guide elements (crate), self-tapping screws, a screwdriver, a clerical knife. The panels are fastened together according to the tenon-groove system, while forming absolutely tight joints.

The panels can be mounted on any wall with irregularities and defects, the main thing is that there is where to screw the screws for the guides.

The crate is set according to the level. Above and below - guide elements, then vertical crossbars with a step of no more than 60 cm.

The panels are fixed with self-tapping screws to the crate, each subsequent one closes the place of fixation of the previous one and the caps of the fasteners. Therefore, outwardly, the apron looks quite presentable. You can cut plastic with a clerical knife or a hacksaw with a fine tooth. All holes must be prepared before installation. The edges of the finished apron in height and width, if they are visible, must be drawn up decorative elements, they are sold in the same department as the panels themselves.

A rock

Natural and artificial stone is one of the the best materials for a kitchen apron in terms of practicality. He has all the necessary qualities. Durable and looks expensive and prestigious.

Material Features

Such an apron requires the appropriate design of the kitchen. An expensive countertop and exquisite facades will make him a worthy company. Different types of stone are used for the production of screens. Most often - granite, less often - marble, basalt, slate, quartz. It is best if the surface is polished, it is easier to remove dirt from it.

Artificial stone is much cheaper than natural, while it has the same properties. But it is devoid of pores, therefore it does not absorb moisture and is better cleaned of dirt. It is lighter and can be made thinner. The durability of these materials is unmatched by any other.

Installation of a stone apron

Stone products are most often made to order according to individual sizes. Installation must be done after the installation of furniture.

If the stone looks like a tile, then it can be laid with your own hands, in the same way as the ceramic one. It is better to entrust the installation of a solid panel to professionals, since the material is expensive, and when self installation, without having the skills to work, you can damage the product.

The installation of an apron made of solid panels - stone, MDF, PVC and glass is carried out after the installation of the kitchen set, so there will be no problems with taking measurements and the height of the screen. It is more difficult to determine the location of the apron, which is installed before installing the headset, it is important to take into account the height bottom cabinets, and flooring and layout of furniture. How to do it right is shown in the video.

When choosing an apron for the kitchen, it is still more important not its appearance, but the price category and practicality. And the problem of aesthetics has long been solved by manufacturers - all types of materials are presented in various colors and design options.

An apron is a covering of a part of the wall between the upper and lower cabinets of a kitchen set. Its task is to protect the wall from moisture, hot steam, grease, splashes and any pollution. To make it easier for you to choose, we have compared the most practical and effective workspace finishes according to five important criteria. Tips from professionals on what to make an apron for the kitchen, comparison of the best materials and real photos of beautiful aprons - in this article.

Correct dimensions

• Usually kitchen apron height 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, leaving 40-55 cm between the tabletop and the lower edge of the cabinets. Edges finishing material should go a couple of centimeters under the lower / upper cabinets.

• As for the width, most often decorative coating cover the entire wall worktop- end to end kitchen furniture. If you wish, you can limit yourself to small protective inserts only in the sink and hob area.
• In a kitchen with a gas stove, the distance between the hob and the hood should be at least 75-80 cm. Consider this ledge in the design of the kitchen.
• The apron of a kitchen set without upper cabinets should be brought to the very ceiling.

We select color and design

• Decide in advance which apron is better to choose for the kitchen - a bright accent or neutral, which will only become a backdrop for a beautiful set.
• A white backsplash (plain or with mosaic inserts, bright tiles and ceramic decors) is easy to combine with a kitchen of any color. Other neutral tones are also popular: milky, creamy, beige, light gray, champagne and ivory.
• A dark glossy finish is impractical: drops of water and splashes of grease on it will be especially noticeable.

Photos of kitchen aprons: top 5 best materials

Ceramic tile

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

In the photo: an example stylish apron from tiles 10x10 cm with patchwork pattern (Batik collection by Bayker)

The tile has many decors on different taste and any wallet. The surface of ceramics can imitate the texture of stone, wood, metal, concrete.

When choosing a tile for the kitchen on an apron, take a closer look at its texture: rough and embossed are difficult to keep clean, so you should give preference to glossy smooth.

Price. Registration ceramic 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 the cost of leveling compound, glue, grout, sealant and craftsmen in the calculation.

Installation . Laying should be entrusted to a professional. The work area in a kitchen of any size is always the center of attention, and laying tiles flawlessly without experience is not easy. Important point: ceramics is for a long time. If the design does not like it, it will not be easy to change it.

Durability . Will easily last you 15 years or more.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Modern design ideas and photos of aprons for the kitchen from tiles in real interiors we have compiled below:

original idea apron on the wall in the kitchen-living room with a modern interior
Traditional kitchen design in Provence style

Options bright kitchen with a phototile apron

SHOW 30 MORE PHOTOS CLOSE

Strained glass

When choosing a picture or photo in the catalog for an apron for a glass kitchen, consider the color of the facades

Handsome and practical material, which in many properties is not inferior to ceramics. In the care of a glass apron is easier than it is commonly thought, and heat and moisture do not spoil its appearance.

The kitchen uses durable tempered glass 6 and 8 mm thick with different designs: transparent, dyed, tinted, frosted and decorated with photo printing.

Price. Such a finish can hardly be called a budget one: glass panels with photo printing (skins) are noticeably more expensive than tiles and mosaics, not to mention plastic. In addition to the cost of manufacturing an apron, glass and the necessary fasteners, you will have to pay extra for the design (the photo from the catalog will probably need to be finalized), color proofs, installation, cutting holes for sockets and other services that are not obvious to an inexperienced buyer. Most inexpensive option- a transparent protective screen, the wall behind which can be painted with paint or pasted over with beautiful wallpaper.

Installation . The main advantage of a glass apron is the speed of installation and the absence of "dirty" work - the whole process takes a couple of hours.

Durability . Contrary to the fears of many, such an apron is capable of for a long time decorate your kitchen without losing the attractive appearance. Some companies give a 5 year warranty. Of course we are talking about a quality product with UV printing with good inks.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★

Fingerprints, water and grease marks are more noticeable on glass than on tiles. But a smooth panel without joints is much easier to clean than to clean out numerous seams. It is enough to regularly wipe it with a damp sponge and soapy water and from time to time use a glass care product.

By choosing a light glass apron for a small kitchen (as in the photo), you will visually expand a small space

SHOW 20 MORE IDEAS CLOSE

Plastic

The best choice for economy class headsets and temporary repairs, especially if you are going to do it yourself.

A good assortment of inexpensive plastic kitchen aprons is available in Leroy Merlin, OBI and other construction hypermarkets.

There are two finish options:

• Furniture panel made of MDF, chipboard and fiberboard, lined with decorative HPL plastic - plain or with wood, ceramic, stone, mosaic decor.
• PVC wall panels. Flexible screens are attached to the wall with adhesive and aluminum profile. 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 gas hob- are deformed.

Price. The most budget option in our selection. A three-meter plastic panel in the same Leroy Merlin can be purchased for an average of 1.5-2.5 thousand rubles.

Installation. An important advantage of a plastic apron when repairing a kitchen is an easy installation that even a beginner can handle. It is easy to make holes for sockets and rails in it right during the installation process.

Durability . Of all the materials in our review, this type of apron has the most short term services. Compared to other options, it will lose its “face” the fastest and is unlikely to last more than 3-5 years. But it is easy and inexpensive to replace.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★

According to this indicator, it seriously loses to competing materials. But if you take a high-quality MDF apron and close the joints with the countertop with a plinth, you should not be afraid of problems.

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★

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

MDF kitchen apron with photo printing is best complemented with neutral facades and plain finishes

The wood-look laminate worktop and backsplash are easy to combine with a white kitchen

8 MORE OPTIONS CLOSE

Mosaic

The contrasting finish of the mosaic apron will make the kitchen design bright and modern: the “chameleon” material looks different depending on the lighting and perfectly assembles the interior together.

Price. Compared with ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware mosaic - a less profitable option for designing an apron. The installation work and the necessary materials will also cost more: you will have to buy special glue and grout. If you want to save money - choose a tile for a mosaic. It is cheaper and greatly simplifies installation.

Installation . Grouting numerous seams is a laborious process: it requires experience, time and great accuracy.

Durability . Will last without a hitch long years. The normal service life of a quality material is 20-25 years.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★

See the photos below for examples of real mosaic kitchen aprons (glass, ceramic, stone, metal):

SHOW 10 OPTIONS CLOSE

Fake diamond

Most often, an apron made of artificial stone is combined with a countertop made of the same material.

Price. Perhaps the most expensive design option for the working area in our selection.

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

Durability . With careful handling, acrylic stone will last you a very long time, but micro-scratches appear over time. To the credit of the material, it is easy to restore: grind cracks and build up chips. After polishing it will be like new.

Moisture resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care . ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

You can learn more about this finishing material.

Figured corian wall panel
Stone apron is more often chosen for classic kitchen 7 MORE PHOTOS CLOSE

You liked the expensive finishing material, and new renovation do you plan on doing it soon? Do not deny yourself the pleasure - to admire beautiful apron you will every day! Count different variants. Moreover, a typical kitchen needs very little decoration.

One of essential elements design of the kitchen is an apron - part of the working wall between the hanging and floor cabinets. This area is the most polluted, especially in the area of ​​​​the sink and stove, therefore, along with aesthetic requirements, strict practical requirements are imposed on finishing materials. Only then can a kitchen apron be considered good when it is pleasant to look at and easy to care for.

What are they made of

A few decades ago, the question of what to make an apron in the kitchen did not arise: if you were lucky to find a tile, they made it, if not, they simply painted it with oil paint. As one of the options, they glued ordinary paper wallpapers, which were varnished. That's the whole selection. Naturally, tile in this case is the best possible option.

Composite apron for the kitchen - from tiles and mosaics

Today the choice is much wider. There are both traditional tiles and many other materials for the backsplash for the kitchen:

• Ceramic tiles and mosaics.
• From the tempered glass with the applied photo printing.
• Stone and materials based on it (porcelain stoneware, for example).
• Plastic and plastic panels.
• Metal.

Despite the abundance of materials, ceramic tiles are still the most popular. And all because there is it in a very wide range of colors and sizes. The second most common is an apron made of plastic - it is easy to care for it, and it is also inexpensive. That is why it is popular. In third place, perhaps, is a kitchen apron made of glass. And all because it gives unusually wide possibilities of design and design. Its only drawback can be considered a high cost. All other ways to decorate the wall of the working area are not very popular. Some are due to not the best qualities (MDF, for example, does not really like moisture and heat) or the difficulty of mounting on walls (porcelain stoneware and stone). However, all of these materials can be used.

Dimensions

There are usually no questions about the length: the entire wall or part of it, which is occupied by the kitchen set, requires special care. Because the length is simple. But the width of the lined area should be larger than the open space. That is, the finish should start below the level of the countertop of the floor cabinets and end above the level where the hanging cabinets end. This margin is desirable in the region of 5 cm. More or less depends on the size of the finishing material, in particular ceramic tiles.

Since there are no cabinets above the stove, the apron in this place is made higher. And again: its width should be such that the cabinets hung from the sides lie on the tile with their side. This makes it easier to clean up.

Tile apron

The most traditional type of finishing the work wall in the kitchen is ceramic tiles. It is good because it is easy to clean, has a long service life. Modern technologies make it possible to make it in different shapes, colors and sizes, which gives ample opportunities for decoration.

The disadvantage of a tiled apron in the kitchen is the complexity and duration of installation, the high price of the tile itself and installation work. The presence of a large number seams. They are rubbed with special compounds, but it is the seams that get dirty and lose their attractiveness first of all. You have to remove the old grout and process them again with a new one.

However, it is the tile backsplash that is most often made in kitchens. Tiles can be small size- a square with a side of 12-15 cm.

There is a tile in size more reminiscent of bricks: rectangular in shape. This shape of the tile is also called "boar". It is more difficult to lay it - there are more seams, but the apron looks interesting. You can find a “brick-like” model, or you can make it blue or green. All look good.

Dark blue tiles in a white kitchen - contrasting and unusual

There is large-format ceramics. It can have dimensions with a side of 60-70 cm. Moreover, it can be both square and rectangular. You can choose such a model that one unit will cover the entire height of the apron. This is good because such an apron has fewer seams.

Flowers on the walls - nice

There are collections of tiles of various non-linear shapes, with patterns. They look, of course, wonderful, but it’s more difficult to care for: all the cracks, bumps and bends are more difficult to wipe off than a flat surface. Another disadvantage of such a tile is the high price, much higher than the average. If all this does not scare you, keep in mind that you need to order it with a margin of about 10%. Firstly, laying waste is inevitable, secondly, there is a fight during delivery, and thirdly, if you make a little mistake in the calculations, you will have to wait again for a long time, and it’s not a fact that there will be such a tile. Many collections are produced in very limited quantities. And they simply may not exist. For the same reason, it is always necessary to leave a few pieces in case of repair. After a few years, even mass collections are discontinued.

There is also ceramic mosaic - very small tiles, from which you can assemble entire panels. It is even more difficult to lay it, but the wall turns out to be very effective.

There is another type of ceramic tile - with photo printing. Before firing, a pattern is applied to the ceramic surface with special ink. After it is covered with glaze and fixed at high temperature in the oven. Using this technology, even photographs can be applied, but fruits or flowers are more often chosen for kitchen aprons.

As you can see, there are already a lot of options for a tiled apron in the kitchen. And there are 5 other materials.

Glass kitchen apron

This type of material began to be used to finish the work wall in the kitchen relatively recently, but it is quickly gaining popularity. It is even easier to care for a glass backsplash than a tiled one - there are almost no seams, the surface is smooth. You can apply almost any pattern - from a smooth color to a three-dimensional photo. The technique of applying photo printing on glass is called "skinali". It is on the aprons in this version that three-dimensional 3D drawings can be applied.

Floral motifs are one of the most popular in kitchen design. They soften the forced rigor of furniture lines Black and white kitchens - contrasts in everything

How to make your own photo printing on glass

The only disadvantage of a glass apron is its high cost. This is due to the complex drawing technology. But you can do it yourself. The technology is not the one that is used in enterprises, but craftsmen are craftsmen to find a way out of any situation.

To make a glass apron using the skinal technique at home, two glasses of relatively small thickness are taken. If you find or buy hardened - excellent, but the usual, as practice has shown, lasts a long time. Ask a glass shop to finish the edges and drill holes for fasteners (or do it yourself if you can). Two glasses must be exactly the same in size, the holes for the fasteners must also match.

A film with a pattern is glued onto one of them. It can be a ready-made self-adhesive translucent film, which is usually sold in wallpaper stores. You can order printing on film of any image in a specialized workshop (perhaps you will be helped by an advertising agency that deals with outdoor advertising).

The glass is cleaned of dust, degreased (a mixture of water and dishwashing detergent or glass cleaner), wiped off, then sprayed with water from a spray bottle. The protective layer is removed from the film and glued to wet glass on one side: it is more convenient to work on it and there is less chance of making an air bubble. Then they take a dense and elastic material with smooth edges (you can rubber spatula) and expel excess water from under the film. The main task is to prevent the appearance of air bubbles. The glued film is left to dry for several days, and then holes are made in it for fasteners.

Both pieces of glass are folded and in this form are attached to the wall. The film turns out to be clamped on both sides and is perfectly protected from any influences. So that nothing happens with such an apron over time, the joint around the perimeter must be smeared silicone sealant(not acrylic, it turns yellow after a while). You can do it without a second layer of glass, but then there are high chances that the film will peel off, or dirt will get behind it, which will be visible.

Apron from MDF and chipboard

If you need to quickly and inexpensively finish the work wall in the kitchen, you can install a panel apron. You need to choose from moisture-resistant products with a durable coating: you will have to wash often. Because MDF take medium or high density. The higher the density, the better: thinner panels are more durable, but denser material is more expensive.

It is installed on furniture screws or, if necessary, on dowel-nails. A hole is pre-drilled in the required places. The diameter of the drill is the same as that of the hardware rod or slightly less. To prevent the caps from sticking out, a small indentation is made in the panel with a drill of a larger diameter than the size of the cap. In a store selling furniture fittings, you can find plugs to match the panel. Here, under the leg of the plug, you can select the diameter of the drill: so that it becomes tight.

Before installation on rear surface adhesive is applied, then additionally sits on fasteners. If the apron is obtained from one wall to another, there are no problems, but if there are corners, they must be finished somehow. To do this, you can use plastic or aluminum corners - it depends on the style of kitchen furniture (furniture fittings stores).

If we talk about color solutions, then there are monochrome options. different colors, a fairly wide selection of surfaces that mimic different varieties wood, there is an imitation of stone surfaces. There are also exclusive drawings, such as photo printing, flowers, etc.

Drawing on MDF board pasted. This is a film with a photo print. Since the film must have a high density, such panels cost decently.

Made of plastic

Plastic aprons are good because they are inexpensive, easy to install. At the same time, the plastic surface washes well. For the production of aprons, ABS plastic (ABS) is used. It is neutral to fats, acids, alkalis, but reacts badly to contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is impossible to wipe with alcohol and alcohol-containing compounds. Physical Properties- hard, durable and at the same time plastic - allow you to make cases of household appliances from it. Even some parts in the car interior are made of such plastic. Therefore, aprons in the kitchen are only part of its application.

The temperature range at which such a plastic apron can be used is from -40°C to +90°C. Its only drawback is that it does not respond well to ultraviolet light. Therefore, it is undesirable to put it in kitchens in which the working wall is illuminated from the window.

The choice of colors is wide, and the relatively low price and ease of installation allow you to change the finish, if you are very tired. Any image is applied to the plastic, then it is covered with a double layer of varnish, which protects the design and prevents scratches. If you try, of course, you can scratch it, but accidentally hitting it is unlikely. In general, a good option. If we talk about the price, then a plastic wall panel, which is used as a kitchen apron, costs from 1.5 to 6 thousand rubles. Panel width 60-80 cm, length 2-3 m. Some examples of plastic aprons are in the photo gallery.

Traditional theme - coffee beans

Wall panels are mounted on a relatively flat surface. Glue of the “liquid nails” type is applied pointwise and plastic is fixed on it. Its density allows you to hide minor surface defects.

Of stone and metal

The least common aprons for the kitchen are made of stone. Firstly, they are expensive, and secondly, it is not easy to remove plaque from them: even a very well-treated surface has open pores into which grease and soot, inevitable in the kitchen, clog.

Stone kitchen apron. Looks great in some interiors .... but hard to clean

Exceptions are stone-based products, in particular porcelain stoneware. Its surface can be very smooth. But there is one more thing: the great weight of such a finish. Accordingly, complex installation and a powerful mounting system.

They decorate the working wall in the kitchen with metal, but this is a very caustic phenomenon. Such an apron will fit only into minimalism and hi-tech, and even then you need to try so that the room does not look like a meat cutting workshop ...

As you can see, you can finish the working wall with different materials. There are options for different tastes and budgets. The main thing is to choose an apron for the kitchen so that the set and the rest of the furniture become a single ensemble. Then the kitchen will be comfortable.

Finishing in the kitchen should not only please the eye, but also be 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 headset cabinets, should be optimal to protect the wall from hot steam, oil splashes, grease and other contaminants. As a rule, finishing is carried out along the entire wall, but quite often it is limited to individual inserts, for example, in the sink area, stoves.

Peculiarities

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

Each material has its own characteristics, specifications. So, experts do not recommend the use of unglazed ceramic tiles, because it has a porous structure. If you do not want to deal with the accumulation of grease, moisture, which are difficult to remove from the surface, pay attention to chipboard, glass, Italian tiles, MDF and plastic, artificial stone. All other materials will become an excellent barrier against bacteria and their reproduction. With proper care, the kitchen apron will last a long time.

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

photos

Varieties and colors

Often a kitchen apron acts as an excellent design accent in the interior. You can not spend fabulous money on boring facades of a kitchen set, super-washable wallpapers, expensive floors with insulation. It is enough to decorate the apron with high-quality materials in an interesting color scheme. It will certainly attract the eyes of curious guests, it's great to decorate the overall atmosphere of the kitchen. There are a huge number of materials on the market from which you can create a truly artistic masterpiece.

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

It can be a seashore, a fascinating skyline, floral still lifes, fantasy scenes, animalistics or any national pattern (Scandinavian, Oriental, Provencal, Azulejo, etc.). White is still considered a 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, designers advise diluting the snow-white tonality with a color insert from mosaics, ceramic decor, and photo printing. The neutral range also includes a shade of ivory, beige, ivory, milky, 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 on pattern with kitchen textile elements: curtains, decorative pillows, as well as wallpaper. The color of marsala, burgundy, lime, emerald, ultramarine will look incredibly stylish in the kitchen.

If lilac becomes the key color palette for the bedroom, then in the kitchen - 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.

Popular finishing materials

One of the most popular materials is ceramic tiles or small format porcelain tiles. They are affordable in price and quality, but more expensive than the option of chipboard, MDF. An order of magnitude higher are aprons made of sustainable glass, artificial stone. The latter are mainly used in country cottages, apartments to maintain the prestige of their property.

Tile

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 ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. If small square meters do not favor you, you can use volumetric decors, select relief tile samples, for example, with a 3d effect. For any interior, beige-brown will be a win-win color, regardless of 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. A popular decoration will be a watercolor drawing or patterns with stains. With them, small dirt, stains are practically not visible. When laying tiles, pay attention to problem areas, seams. Light grout will lose its original color over time. Important at the start 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 seams 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 material it will not be scary to use any chemicals even with abrasive particles in the composition.

There are a huge number of options for laying Italian tiles. You can choose a checkerboard, traditional or offset. You can arrange it diagonally on the Soviet motif or using the kaleidoscope method (in discordance in colors). If you choose ceramic tiles 10 x 10 cm, then you can do without additional trimming when laying. It looks great in small kitchens.

It will be possible to reduce the time of finishing work 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.

photo tiles

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

Glass

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

The product perfectly "gets along" 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 give the kitchen neatness in any light. It is believed that glass, as well as laminate models, is the most noble type of finish, it always looks concise, expensive, and prestigious. When mounting, it is better to use fasteners. You will not scratch the headsets, facades, so repair and finishing work can be carried out at any stage of construction. Just as popular will be a mirror apron that corrects all the flaws in the geometry of your kitchen.

Mosaic

The exquisite design of the kitchen apron with the help of mosaics is trendy, consists of contrasting shades, non-trivial colors. Mosaic will give a special charm to the kitchen, tenderness and elegance. When installing this design, glue is used, grout, which takes most of the time to “eliminate” the seams. It is also necessary to observe the sequence when laying the mosaic.

Plastic

For lack 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:

from plastic based on MDF, chipboard or fiberboard;

the use of decorative hot-pressed plastic;

creating stunning visualization "under the tree", stone and other materials;

using plastic made from polycarbonate.

All models are easy to mount, take care of them, extending their service life every year. You can also consider a budget option made of chipboard and plastic. This design is easy to do with your own hands, replace if necessary. Quite often the material is colorless, transparent. Under it, it will be possible to glue stylish wallpapers, create photo printing.

This model shows excellent resistance to moisture, high temperatures. Would you like to receive an apron affordable price without seams and joints - take into account the chipboard system!

artificial stone

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

During installation, high-quality work of experienced craftsmen is required, which will create an ideal picture of the interior. Careful handling of this surface guarantees a long service life. The product perfectly tolerates frequent cleaning, including wet.

Design styles

For a loft-style design, a boar tile or a brick model is suitable. She has rectangular shape and chamfered edges, reminiscent of a brick. This finish will look great in a classic and modern interior. It is possible to choose both a standard version in the size of 10 x 20 cm, and a large format up to 15 x 45 cm.

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

photos

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