Characteristics of kitchen design with matte finish

Pros and Cons

Like any solution, a matte kitchen has its advantages and disadvantages. Evaluate both sides of the coin to make the right decision.

Advantages of matte facades:

• Elegant modern appearance. Meets all the requirements of stylish kitchen design.
• Resistance to dirt. Fingerprints and other stains on a matte surface are less noticeable, so the matte finish is more practical.
• Easy to care for. Unlike glossy surfaces, they are also easier and more convenient to clean, although ultimately it all depends on the material.
• No glare. Due to the absorption of light, the overall appearance of the kitchen interior becomes more comfortable.
• Resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Whatever the set with matte facades is made of, it, unlike gloss, is not afraid of the sun and does not fade.
• Large assortment. There is both economy and premium segment: therefore, you can find furniture for every taste and budget.

Important! If you follow the care instructions, the surface will never be scratched or abraded.

The photo shows a combination of matte black with wood

Disadvantages of matte kitchens:

• Frequent cleaning. Due to small roughness, matte facades quickly become covered with dust and absorb more dirt.
• Visual reduction of space. Due to the absorption of light, the room will seem smaller than it is.
• Requirements for cleaning agents. No abrasives – only soft, preferably special liquids and sponges.
• Narrow color palette. Although there are quite a few shades of matte furniture, there are still fewer options compared to gloss.

How do matte furniture units look in different colors?

When choosing one or two colors of matte kitchen from the many colors, be careful with dark shades. We have already mentioned that matte facades themselves absorb light and visually reduce the area of the room. Dark colors will only aggravate this effect, so it is not recommended to use them in small kitchens.

The photo shows a stylish set in an emerald shade

A white matte kitchen will look great in any area, but has one big disadvantage: it requires frequent washing. To avoid this, give preference to mixed light tones: cream, off-white, beige, light gray, ivory.

If space allows, order a dark matte kitchen in black or slate shade. The combination of a smooth finish with a deep muted tone looks noble and very stylish, but be prepared for constant maintenance of your kitchen.

Any splashes, smudges, fingerprints and other traces of dirt are visible on such matte facades – so there is no point in talking about practicality.

Fortunately, there are no rules prohibiting making matte kitchens two-tone: in this case, we recommend making the lower tier dark, the upper one – light. If there are three “floors”, make the central one white or beige and recess it, and the outer ones – dark or colored. Another option is to make one of the tiers look like wood and the other one colored.

The photo shows built-in furniture in the attic

In addition to monochrome designs, there is a wide selection of colored matte kitchens. Modern trends insist on creating a natural atmosphere and using natural shades: pistachio, lavender, dirty pink, muted yellow. For those who are ready to experiment, manufacturers offer bright contrasting solutions: blue, lemon, herbal.

Deep undertones are also found in color variations: indigo, burgundy, emerald. They look very noble and go well with white upper-level facades.

Design features

Let’s return to the main difference of a matte kitchen: light absorption. This nuance is especially important to consider in a small kitchen: if matte kitchen facades are a matter of principle, choose the lightest palette possible, preferably in the same tone as the background – wall decoration. This design technique allows you to “dissolve” furniture of any size in the room.

Advice! In small spaces, give preference to a straight set to the ceiling, instead of a corner one. They have approximately the same capacity, but the first will help save a lot of space.

For rooms with high (more than 3 meters) ceilings, it is also better to order built-in models to the ceiling. The more space is occupied vertically, the more lived-in the space seems.

As for the appearance of the facades, there are several options:

• Straight and smooth. A classic of the genre, suitable for a kitchen in the style of minimalism, loft, scandi, modern. Looks modern, simplifies maintenance.
• Milled. Usually used in classic or Scandinavian design. When ordering, remember: the more complex the pattern, the harder it will be to care for a matte kitchen.
• With glass. Individual upper cabinets can be decorated with glass inserts. It is also advisable to choose matte glass.

After choosing the color and type of facades, do not forget about the countertop. Wood is considered a classic, it is advisable to choose natural boards covered with oil or wax. A matte countertop in the same color will look great (if the furniture is two-color, make the lid to match the color of the upper drawers). An equally effective option: a glossy countertop in the same color. Black gloss combined with black matte, for example, looks very striking.

Lighting requires special attention: since the surface, especially the dark one, absorbs light, there should be a lot of it. Ceiling lamps above the work surface, LED strip above the apron, additional sconces or a central chandelier – all this will help to create the effect of a bright, uncluttered room.

The photo shows gray facades with milling

Another thing to consider: the material of the facades. The appearance, durability and ease of maintenance of the matte kitchen depend on this.

• Chipboard. The lowest price. But they are afraid of water and are easily damaged during operation.
• MDF. The middle price segment. The option when it is really worth overpaying: MDF will last for many years, will please you with easy maintenance and an impressive appearance.
• Wood. An expensive option. Wood is durable, but to achieve a matte surface it is covered with paint – so in this case the extra cost is not justified.

The photo shows doors without handles with a glossy finish

How to care for it?

Kitchens with a rough surface need special, but simple care. To avoid damaging the finish, follow these tried and tested tips:

• Do not use hard brushes or abrasive sponges, only soft microfiber or cotton cloths.
• Avoid alcohol-based cleaning products: they will dull the surface.
• Wipe the fronts as often as possible with a clean, damp cloth. The deeper the grease is absorbed, the more difficult it will be to wipe off.
• Wipe the doors dry immediately, this will extend their life.
• To remove greasy or stubborn stains, use a soap solution (regular soap or dishwashing liquid will do). But the foam should be removed immediately!
• First try any new products in the most inconspicuous place.

Important! Substances that should not be in the composition of detergents: alcohol, chlorine, sodium, acid, alkali, methyl, propyl. Also, you should not use folk remedies: soda, salt, toothpaste, vinegar.

Real photos in the interior

Matte kitchens suit various interior styles, but each requires its own design and shade.

• Classic style. Smooth or milled facades, light warm palette: cream, ivory, cream, milk, coffee. Accessories – as neutral and discreet as possible. The countertop is preferably made of stone or imitating it.
• Provence. Painted facades of pastel shades are best suited: lavender, pistachio, creme brulee. The design of the doors can be blind with milling, or with inserts: glass, gratings. Complement with a wooden countertop and suitable textiles.
• Loft. The main difference is dark tones. Black or graphite in combination with brick walls and dark brushed wood (ideal for countertops) looks extremely suitable. The facades are minimalist, preferably smooth and straight.
• Scandi. There are several options, but the colors are the same: white or gray. The doors can be straight or decorated with milling. A wooden tabletop and cozy functional decor on it will help complete the picture.
• High-tech. Straight lines, smooth fronts without handles, muted shades. The palette can be light, but dark models look best. Can be combined with a glossy countertop, be sure to add a lot of light sources.

The photo shows beige column facades