Which kitchen finish is preferable: glossy or matte?

Matte finish – for complex shades

If you dream of a kitchen in dark or rich colors, then the best solution is discreet matte facades. They are also suitable for imitation of wood and concrete, which are the latest trend in modern design.

Matte finish makes it possible to create a harmonious design, fading into the background when using bright decor in the kitchen design. Neutral gray, white or beige furniture is a great background for an original apron or bright textiles.

Gloss expands the space

For owners of a small kitchen, smooth facades are one of the best ways to visually enlarge the room. Gloss reflects not only the surrounding space, but also light, so the kitchen seems a little larger. The ideal option is white facades, easy to care for and noble in appearance. Fingerprints and water drops are more visible on black lacquered doors.

Matte looks more natural

Natural coatings are trending today. For some, this fact is paramount when creating an interior, but others prefer gloss and varnish and do not pay attention to fashion.

Matte surfaces are liked by those who are tired of the city, office and information overload: a kitchen decorated with a bias towards natural tones and textures, unlike a glossy one, looks homey and cozy.

Gloss is appropriate if there is not enough sun in the kitchen

Residents of central Russia often experience a lack of sunlight, and if the windows face north, the room seems even gloomier. A glossy kitchen, reflecting natural light, creates a special effect, making the space more elegant and airy. A dark room surrounded by lacquered surfaces becomes brighter without additional light sources.

Matte fronts absorb dirt

Due to the rough surface, the coating absorbs dust, grease and moisture. Maintenance of the set requires special products for cleaning plastic or wood. On the other hand, fingerprints are less visible on matte fronts – therefore they are considered more practical and better suited for families with small children. But the fact that dirt is not noticeable does not eliminate the need for timely hygiene procedures.

If you are not sure of the reliability of the manufacturer of the kitchen set, we do not recommend choosing doors without handles that open with a push. Ease of care largely depends on the selected material: if the coating is of high quality, cleaning the surface will not cause difficulties, and it does not matter what it is – glossy or matte.

Scratches are more noticeable on glossy facades

When cleaning a glossy kitchen, it is strictly forbidden to use abrasives: powders, soda, brushes and hard towels. Small scratches make the surface rough and dull, and dirt gets inside.

Aggressive cleaning agents with chlorine and acid, which corrode the coating, are also contraindicated. Microfiber and flannel cloths are suitable for caring for the set – they allow you to restore shine and get rid of streaks.

A matte set is universal

It is impossible to imagine a kitchen in a classic style decorated with gloss. Even the simplest carving or milling will cause a lot of problems when cleaning and will look out of place.

But if it is neoclassicism or art deco, glossy doors will fit into the surrounding environment. Also, a smooth finish is suitable for high-tech and minimalism, and a matte set will look equally good in both modern and traditional styles.

Glossy surfaces are more impressive

If you want your kitchen to attract attention, choose lacquered facades. In this case, the set will come to the fore. He should choose the appropriate finish and furniture – more restrained and calm.

It is also important to consider the material with which the product is covered: MDF doors covered with inexpensive polyvinyl chloride film make the interior cheaper, fading and losing their shine over time.

The most expensive coating is wear-resistant acrylic, which has high performance properties. The best value for money is plastic applied using the plastforming method.

To prevent a glossy kitchen from looking kitsch, only one thing should shine: smooth facades should be combined with a neutral apron.

The matte surface absorbs light

For some, this feature is a disadvantage, but for others, it is an advantage. If the kitchen is spacious and facing the sunny side, the glare from the gloss can irritate the eye, which cannot be said about the matte coating, which softens the atmosphere by “absorbing” the light. It is because of this ability that the matte surface requires additional lighting, since it can make a small kitchen even more cramped.

Advantages of combined facades

If you can’t decide, combine two textures: install glossy facades on the upper cabinets, and matte ones on the lower cabinets. In this case, the color of the top and bottom can be radically different.

During operation, you can easily figure out which surfaces are easier to clean and distribute kitchen utensils depending on the frequency of their use. Glossy cabinets located on top will visually lighten the set.

When giving preference to a glossy or matte kitchen, consider the size of the room, the degree of its illumination, the chosen style and your willingness to spend time on cleaning. But the most important thing when choosing a set is your own feelings, because first of all, home should be comfortable.