Design solutions for finishing kitchen aprons and their features.

Which material is better?

Let’s consider the most common options for finishing a kitchen apron and study the strengths and weaknesses of each type.

Ceramic tiles

It is a popular and traditional solution for decorating a backsplash.

An inexpensive, waterproof and fireproof finish that is easy to clean and has a long service life.

The joints between the tiles become dirty and absorb moisture. Therefore, it may be necessary to update the grout.

It goes well with other cladding and can be used to decorate the entire wall surface.

To lay tiles, certain skills or the help of a specialist are required.

Ceramics imitate different textures in the form of wood, leather, marble or granite.

Tile finishing is distinguished by a variety of textures and color solutions. This material allows you to decorate the apron with different plots, inserts or colorful mosaic panels that can satisfy the most fastidious housewife.

Matte, glossy, plain, smooth, relief ceramics or photo tiles with patterns harmoniously complement any kitchen design and make it more complete.

This option will cost more than plastic panels, but the tile definitely wins in quality. Plus a huge design option – tiles come in budget models for 300 rubles, to designer ones for tens of thousands. On average, tiles fall into the middle price range, only stone and glass will be more expensive.

In terms of durability, it will last about the same as stone ~ 15 years. The only problematic area in maintenance is the seams.

The photo shows a light kitchen interior with an apron laid out with blue tiles with a relief pattern.

Stone

The material can be natural, artificial, or presented in the form of blocks of porcelain stoneware, concrete and gypsum tiles, or bricks.

Natural finishing is very durable, withstands any temperature changes, and easily tolerates the effects of steam and water.

It has a rather complicated installation technology.

Despite some disadvantages, a marble apron has high decorative qualities, giving the kitchen an expensive and prestigious look. This type of cladding has a delicate and translucent texture.

The most common solution is stone on a concrete base. Thanks to the rich and eye-catching surface, the apron area will look impressive.

One of the most expensive finishing materials for a kitchen apron – the cost is from 7 tr per linear meter.

Durability – maximum, nothing to say here. It is very easy to care for, just wipe regularly. Minor scratches can be easily removed by sanding.

The photo shows a variant of designing an apron with black marble in the design of a modern kitchen.

MDF or chipboard

Due to their affordable cost and easy installation, such products are in high demand.

They are considered budget materials that can be installed independently without the help of professionals.

Due to moisture, the structure of the material begins to deteriorate over time.

Chipboard and MDF panels provide the opportunity to design an apron in the color of a wooden or stone countertop. Due to their versatility, these products can complement the interior of any kitchen.

The cost of panels starts from 1.5 tr/1 m.p., which is cheaper than tiles and stone, but more expensive than plastic. And it looks much better than plastic.

The durability is seriously inferior to tiles – 3-5 years with careful use, but they can deform with changes in temperature. They are quite easy to care for, as there are no seams.

The photo shows an apron finished with MDF in the interior of a stylish kitchen.

Metal

The best option for an apron is affordable stainless steel or a more expensive copper coating. The metal sheet forms a seamless plane, due to which the work area in the kitchen acquires a monolithic appearance.

Withstands high temperatures and is difficult to mechanical damage.

The apron cannot be cleaned using abrasives and hard metal brushes, as they scratch the surface.

The metal finish of the apron fits perfectly into the industrial, futuristic or minimalist design of the kitchen. The steel texture gives the atmosphere a certain severity, formality and at the same time effectiveness.

The cost starts from 2,000 rubles for a 2 m panel, but there may be problems with the choice, since not many companies do this. It is very undemanding in maintenance, only abrasives are prohibited. Such durable material will also serve for about 10-15 years.

The photo shows a metal mosaic in the decoration of the apron in the interior of a spacious kitchen.

Glass

A neutral, muted or bright glass apron uniquely updates the interior of the kitchen and makes it sparkle with new colors.

Environmentally friendly material.

Expensive price and need for individual order by size.

Special tempered glass is fireproof, durable, not afraid of temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Skinali can be decorated with images in the form of sunrises, sunsets, landscapes, geometric patterns and more. Beautiful photo printing will add originality and interest to the kitchen.

It is in a high price category, despite the fact that the service life is 5-7 years. But there is a large selection of designs, for which you will also have to pay extra. As for care, traces will be noticeable, so you will have to wipe regularly. There may also be problems with durability. The unusual design can fade after 5 years of use.

The photo shows a kitchen with an apron with a geometric pattern on a gray background.

Plastic

They represent a cheap category of materials that are used for temporary kitchen renovation.

It is relatively inexpensive and has a wide range of colors.

Over time, it begins to fade and become dull from exposure to sunlight.

A plastic apron is suitable for photo printing and can imitate different textures. Due to the extensive color palette in dazzling white, golden, metallic, muted pastel or neon tones, it is possible to achieve the perfect design of the work area in the kitchen.

They have a low cost – you can find them from 1.5 thousand rubles. But there will be problems with durability – they fade, deform, etc. It is easy to care for – it is enough to wipe once a week, which is due to the absence of seams. Stubborn stains can be easily removed from smooth surfaces.

The photo shows a plastic apron with a photo print of a tropical forest.

Wooden

For finishing the apron, choose hard wood species with natural patterns, rings and streaks, or use lining in the form of small planks.

Lightweight material with a relatively low price and the ability to be installed independently.

Low moisture-resistant qualities, due to which the wood requires additional coating with special compounds.

The wooden coating is difficult to clean from dirt.

Wood can be protected with impregnations, varnishes, tinting and toning agents. However, the treated surface becomes highly flammable.

The cost is low – you can find lining for 400 rubles / 1 m2. But there will be difficulties with durability and maintenance. The rough surface retains dirt. Also, the abundance of seams makes cleaning difficult.

The photo shows a kitchen with a small apron made of wood.

Wallpaper

The most affordable option for cladding the apron, offering a huge selection of products that can be selected for a kitchen in any style.

In order for ordinary paper sheets to retain their aesthetic appearance for a long time, it is advisable to cover them with special protective glass.

The price varies – you can find both budget ones for 200 rubles / 1 m2, and expensive wallpaper for 1000 rubles. An impractical option, the only thing is the installation of a skinali, which significantly complicates and increases the cost of installation.

The photo shows an apron with patterned wallpaper in the kitchen interior.

Self-adhesive film

Provides an opportunity to transform the kitchen without extra effort and add uniqueness and originality to it.

You can glue it yourself, the process does not take much time.

Suitable for gluing only on a perfectly leveled surface.

After dismantling, there are no traces.

Thanks to special treatment, they are not afraid of moisture, steam and grease.

Easy to clean.

Since the film is considered vapor-impermeable, the surface under the product does not breathe.

A budget option – can be found for 200 rubles / 1 m2. In terms of practicality, it is better than wallpaper, but it cannot be called a reliable material. The same story with care.

Slate

This design solution will appeal to creative people. The slate apron is suitable for writing motivational inscriptions, various messages or just grocery lists.

It can be cleaned with a rag or sponge.

Does not like cleaning with hard brushes and abrasives.

Easy to install by hand and dries quickly.

Chalk scratches the surface over time.

Such a coating is wear-resistant, durable, fireproof and environmentally friendly.

The cost of such an original solution starts from 600 rubles per 1 sq. m., if you buy paint. The care is described above in the pros and cons. In short, it is better than wallpaper and self-adhesive, but worse even than PVC panels. The durability is not high – you will have to update it every 2-3 years, but this is easy to do with your own hands.

The photo shows the apron area decorated with a slate coating.

Comparative table of materials for a kitchen apron

Comparison of the characteristics of several facing materials.

Which size is better to choose?

The size depends on the dimensions of the kitchen. Basically, the work area is decorated along the entire length of the kitchen set. Partial finishing of the apron of only problem areas near the sink or stove is also allowed.

The photo shows a mosaic apron for a corner kitchen.

The standard height of the apron is about 50 or 60 centimeters. Individual parameters will depend on the height of the household members and how to arrange the upper cabinets of the kitchen set, etc.

The right decision would be to finish the entire wall. It is also possible for the apron to go slightly under the upper and lower cabinets of the kitchen set.

The photo shows a U-shaped kitchen with an apron made of small honeycomb tiles.

How to choose an apron by color?

The most impractical options for the kitchen are considered to be dark colors, since dirt is most visible. For a kitchen in neutral tones, it is better to choose a bright apron or a covering with colorful patterns.

The photo shows a kitchen apron with matte orange tiles in the interior.

The kitchen space in a romantic classic or Provencal style will be perfectly complemented by light finishing, which will merge with the furniture and create a delicate and sophisticated atmosphere in the room. Natural beige, gray or light brown colors look beautiful.

To create an original apron in the kitchen, choose rich pink or red color schemes that fill the room with warmth and comfort. Blue, light blue or turquoise coating will significantly refresh the space, green and emerald cladding will create a calm atmosphere, and yellow and orange materials will bring a sunny mood to the room.

The photo shows a light kitchen with a blue apron.

Professional designers have an unspoken rule – to make the kitchen apron and countertop in the same color scheme. This is a simple solution, but do not forget about the overall composition. Among the basic combinations, you can safely use: a combination of wood and stone in both directions, a classic combination of a white apron and black facades. Such design solutions will be relevant for a long time.

For modern styles, it is better to choose light colors for kitchen aprons, so you will definitely not violate the style and save time on cleaning. If you do not want to experiment with colors, then consider the options for monochrome aprons – this choice of color will be appropriate in any interior. For example, for a Scandinavian-style kitchen, this is a win-win option.

Don’t forget about texture and various combinations of colors and materials. Housewives who love to cook should definitely consider this solution. Pay attention to small patterns or wood texture. Dirt is practically invisible on them. But in this case, the facades of the kitchen set should be made in one color.

When decorating the kitchen apron as an accent, try to make it intersect with the color of the curtains or with the upholstery of the furniture.

And finally, advice for small kitchens – it is important not to overload the interior. Therefore, everything is simple here – choose single-color models with a glossy finish. A great option is a white hog tile. A virtually universal option that will fit into both Scandi and loft.

Examples of stylish design

A mirror apron is distinguished by its stylish and unusual design. Despite its luxurious appearance, mirrors are not very often used for cladding the working segment. A kitchen with a beveled mirror panel looks truly impressive.

To create an original apron design, you can use built-in lighting. This solution not only attracts attention and adds expressiveness to the design, but also visually increases the area of the kitchen due to additional lighting.

The photo shows a skinali with a jungle photo print in a minimalist kitchen interior.

A design with flowers is quite popular. The surface of the apron, decorated with daisies, sunflowers, orchids or roses, brings special sophistication to the kitchen environment.

Organic boar tiles are an ideal option. The universal finish blends harmoniously into any interior design and is easy to maintain.

In addition to the standard design of the apron, you can implement various creative ideas. For example, use improvised materials for cladding in the form of dish or tile fragments, sea pebbles, wine corks, metal caps, etc.

For a small kitchen, choose a mirror or glossy apron in muted tones in combination with light furniture fronts. This will give the decor a certain integrity.

It is not recommended to decorate the apron area with materials with a large contrasting pattern or flashy photo printing. Such a design will make the kitchen even heavier. A much more harmonious look will be provided by a lining with small, unobtrusive patterns or horizontal stripes.

The photo shows a small kitchen with an apron finished with figured tiles.

Thanks to materials with high decorative properties, the design of the kitchen apron acquires an original and unique appearance. Below are examples of beautiful kitchens with modern aprons in the interior of apartments and houses.