Advantages and disadvantages
Pros:
- A white kitchen looks neat and fresh, and the constant change of color accents (fruits, flowers, fabric) will not let you get bored.
- A visual effect of expanding the space is created, which is especially important for a small kitchen in an apartment.
- A kitchen with white kitchen facades, depending on the texture, material and details, can be matched to any design style.
Cons:
- The white surface is easily soiled, fingerprints on glossy finish. Such a set requires more attention when cleaning, but it is no more difficult to wash off stains than from colored kitchen furniture, so it is important to choose high-quality material.
- Association with a hospital. This is possible if there is an abundance of color, so you should avoid opaque white curtains and tablecloths.
- A kitchen with white facades has become typical due to the fashion for the Scandinavian style.
Choosing the material for the body and facade
Due to the fact that a white kitchen set should not only be aesthetically attractive, but also functionally durable, you need to take the choice of the right material seriously. The durability of the cabinet determines the service life of the furniture, most often it is made of MDF, chipboard and wood.
- A wooden kitchen set, if properly cared for, does not absorb moisture, is amenable to sanding, and can withstand mechanical force and temperature changes. This is an environmentally friendly material that has a long service life. The obvious disadvantage is the cost and heavy weight, bulkiness.
- MDF panels consist of environmentally friendly waste: resin and shavings, as well as decorative and protective coating (film, plastic, paint). After solid wood, this is the best choice for a kitchen with its temperature features.
- Chipboard cabinets are widespread, their panels are pressed wood chip and laminated products. If the production technology is followed and the chipboard is installed correctly, it is resistant to the kitchen microclimate, this is the cheapest option for a kitchen cabinet worthy of attention. When the edges and protective coating are deformed, the chipboard easily swells, deforms and emits harmful resins.
White facades are made of the same materials as the body, as well as plastic and acrylic, which are easy to care for and are not afraid of scratches.
The photo shows a modern style kitchen with an island kitchen a set that divides the space into zones and creates a convenient approach from all sides to an additional table.
Glossy or matte kitchen set?
A white glossy kitchen set looks stylish, reflects light, and creates a mirror effect. Such a facade requires frequent polishing with a soft cloth, and it is better to select fittings so that the hand does not come into contact with the surface of the facade.
A matte white kitchen set in the interior is more practical, fingerprints are not so noticeable, but you still need to wipe the facade.
In the photo, a linear matte set in white is combined with a contrasting countertop and a brick-like kitchen backsplash.
Matte and glossy surfaces can be combined in one set, for example, the bottom can be matte and the top glossy.
Features of choosing the shape of the set
The choice of the configuration of the kitchen with white facades depends on the size of the room and the layout.
- A linear (straight) set can be short (up to 2.5 m) and fit compactly into a small kitchen. Everything is on the same line: the sink, the stove, the work surface. Long sets (up to 4 m) are placed along the wall of a spacious kitchen and free up space for a large dining table and lounge area.
- Corner white kitchen sets practically organize space, look universal in any style, are distinguished by the presence of deep side cabinets and a sink or stove in the corner. The corner set is complemented by a bar counter if it is a small kitchen, or an island section if it is a spacious room.
- U-shaped kitchen furniture is placed along three adjacent walls, is appropriate in a rectangular kitchen of small and large size, as well as in a studio apartment. If you choose a U-shaped set, the dining table is placed in the living room or a separate dining area. White facades without fittings create a feeling of walls and spaciousness in the room.
- An island set assumes the presence of a table in the center of the room and is appropriate in private and country houses, where a separate room or area for eating is implied. The kitchen island functions as an additional work table, where a sink, stove, cutting boards and dishes can be placed, or it can function as a bar counter. The style, texture and shade of the island should match the kitchen set.
The photo shows a white island set, which creates an additional area for the stove and storing dishes.
Combination with wallpaper, curtains, decor
Wallpaper
Wallpaper for the kitchen should be high-density and washable (vinyl, non-woven and glass wallpaper, which can also be repainted). White furniture is neutral and will go well with almost any wall color.
Wallpaper with graffiti, collage or photo wallpaper, 3D wallpaper as an accent on one wall.
Pastel shades, small patterns, monochrome and bright patterns will create the mood of the kitchen and the background for the kitchen set.
Curtains
Curtains transform the kitchen with minimal costs, warm shades make the room brighter, and cold ones help to balance the sun’s rays.
The interior of the kitchen with a white set is combined with curtains in the color of the walls (where the curtains are 2-3 darker tones), a more economical option is to select curtains to match the color of the kitchen set, since the wallpaper can be changed, and the set will remain. This is a win-win option, but you need to give preference to white light curtains (muslin, tulle, thread curtains), and not thick curtains, which can resemble a hospital ward.
In a white interior, the window can become the center of attention due to colored curtains or bright stripes on a milky background.
In the photo, white kitchen furniture is combined with green curtains and a light green wall. When choosing a set for better capacity, it is worth paying attention to lower cabinets with shelves, and not with hinged doors.
Curtains should minimally absorb odors, not interfere with access to light, passage to the balcony, and be fireproof. Shortened white and beige curtains, cafe curtains, and Roman blinds look good. The lambrequin can be rigid or not too lush.
Decor
The design of a kitchen with a white set can often be changed due to decorative elements (potholders, towels, tablecloths, flowers and fruit vases). Also appropriate would be a chalkboard, paintings, clocks, photo wallpaper, plates, inscriptions, stickers, mirror mosaics.
Furniture fittings should echo the style of the kitchen and other items, for example, glass handles are appropriate on cabinets with a stained glass insert, and chrome ones look good with the same faucet.
What style is it suitable for?
A glossy set with straight lines will suit a modern style, will go well with bright photo wallpapers, white brickwork, metal fittings and chrome kitchen appliances.
The photo shows a linear kitchen set without fittings in a minimalist style, where all the dishes are hidden from prying eyes. It creates a feeling of spaciousness and cleanliness.
High-tech style is created with the help of a white set and functional decorative items (chalkboard, chandeliers), and minimalism and Scandinavian style with the help of closed kitchen facades.
Provence, country and classic styles imply natural materials, white furniture from solid wood or MDF with carving. Country style is created with the help of wall plates, wild flowers, knitted tablecloths, embroidered kitchen napkins and curtains.
The photo shows a corner set with a dining table-island in the center, where the sink is functionally located by the window, and the corner is occupied by an additional cabinet.
White color in classic style is complemented by gilded fittings, graceful legs and expensive upholstery (leather, brocade, velvet), the more luxurious the kitchen furniture, the more neutral the wallpaper.
The photo shows a kitchen in classic style, where the equipment is not masked, but combined with luxury.
Art Deco creates an abundance of white, black and white patterned floor and glass surfaces (apron, table, accent wall).
Lighting Features
Light sources play an important role in the perception of the final result. Lighting should be good near the work area, above the kitchen sink, in the dining area, so it is important to organize multi-level lighting. Where the lamps will be placed should be planned together with the design of the kitchen set, taking into account the height of the cabinets and their placement.
The main ceiling light source is not the only one and it will not be enough to get glare from the white kitchen set. The brightness of the light should be adjustable, then you can have dinner in the semi-darkness, or set up maximum lighting while cooking.
Additional ceiling lighting can be spot or strip with LEDs (the light should be neutral and even).
To illuminate the work desk, you can use furniture lamps that are mounted on the lower part of the upper cabinet.
A ceiling chandelier with adjustable length can be placed directly above the dining table. The lampshade and trim should not be made of fabric, this will complicate cleaning, glass or plastic trim will be appropriate.
A white kitchen set with glass matte or stained glass inserts and internal LED lighting in the upper cabinets and drawers when opened, which consumes little energy and does not heat up, looks beautiful. Open shelves can be decorated with LED strip or spotlights.
The photo shows a corner set that functionally divides the room. Additional lighting on the ceiling and in the cabinets creates a cozy atmosphere.
