Gloss or matte? Choosing a kitchen set. The beauty of glossy kitchens and tips for proper care

A large assortment contemporary building materials for the manufacture of kitchen sets poses a problem for the consumer: how to arrange perfect interior kitchens, what furniture to choose. But such a variety of shades, shapes and textures of products makes it possible to choose optimal solution for decorating a kitchen of any size and geometry.

Particularly popular are frosted kitchens. Such popularity is due to practicality and high operational qualities matte surface. Even with careful care, kitchen furniture will always leave marks from hands or splashes. Only on a matte surface they will be barely noticeable.

Kitchens with matte fronts

The matte color of the kitchen is acceptable both in small and in large rooms. A huge variety of colors will help create lightness, coziness and comfort in the most functional room Houses. The kitchen set can be made of plastic or wood fiber MDF boards.

Advantages of a kitchen made of frosted plastic:

  • the material is resistant to moisture, retains its color on long years;
  • has a heat-resistant surface, is hardly subjected to mechanical damage;
  • plastic does not contain harmful substances.

Matte plastic kitchens help in creating practical and stylish interiors. Conservative and calm matte surfaces able to highlight ideas modern style and the high status of the interior of the kitchen.

For kitchen with big window, from which the main percentage of lighting comes, the matte facade of the kitchen will be the most ideal option. In this case, even dark shades kitchen furniture will not clutter up the space and spoil the appearance of the room. light shades add freshness and dimension to the room.

Advantages of matt MDF kitchen:

  • high performance;
  • resistance to moisture and bacteria;
  • environmental friendliness and hygiene;
  • affordable cost.

The exterior finish of the MDF kitchen with a matt finish allows you to create the most modern trend and style. Wide range of color solutions matte countertops for the kitchen will help you find correct solution in the most daring design.

Disadvantages of matte kitchens

  1. The main disadvantage of matte MDF kitchen is high flammability. Furniture should be installed at a sufficient distance from open fire. In this case great option kitchens will become corner matte. Furniture must be positioned so that it is opposite an open source of fire - a gas stove.
  2. Mechanical damage is also a danger for MDF kitchens. small force they are not afraid of being hit. But significant physical effort can spoil the appearance of the product.
  3. Furniture made of frosted plastic can be a problem for a small kitchen. The only solution here may be a complete rejection of contrasting colors and the absence of unnecessary kitchen utensils. Then matte plastic covers retain their dignity and not deprive small room precious space.
  4. Matte plastic surfaces get dirty for a very long time. But the time has come to clean them up. This is not easy to do. Perfectly clean matte surfaces will help special cleaning products.

Features of matte surfaces

Sooner or later, the facade or kitchen apron will get scratches. The matte surface immediately gives out these incidents, even very small ones. Getting rid of them is quite problematic. The best way- maximum care for furniture.

There is a certain specificity in the choice of ceramic matte tiles to the kitchen. Quality and strength - key points when choosing a tile. It does not matter at all for flooring or wall cladding. given material. So that in the coming years cracks and scratches do not form on the tile, it must be of the highest quality.

The second issue is harmony. Any matte kitchen surface should blend perfectly with overall design premises. Flashy colors will be very striking, especially in small kitchens. Therefore, the choice of the color of the matte surface is important point in interior design.

In the process of designing furniture, the owners very often stop at the choice between glossy or matte facades for a kitchen set. It is the nebula of dullness or the brilliance of gloss that makes designers or owners of future furniture for their kitchen stop at the selection process. After all, the kitchen should be not only attractive, but also comfortable.

Matt facades

  • The softness of a matte material always looks nobler, having a very beneficial effect on visual perception. After all, this kind of surface does not create no glare, which means that for the eyes it will not be annoying and interfering with comfortable perception of the furniture. Also, the muting of the color just happens because of the haze, which is very beneficial in creating those interiors where bright colors are not desirable.
  • On such doors or drawers, practically no noticeable finger stains, greasy stains, dust or other traces from the operation of the doors of wall cabinets in the kitchen. And this is very important because the kitchen is the most working part of the house, so all its surfaces should be not only stylish and beautiful, but also practical. And if, in addition, the facades are also smooth, then dirt and dust will not eat into them, and care for them will be even easier.

However, facades of this type do not always have a limited range of color solutions, and this can mean only one thing - limited use in style solutions. For example, matte facades most suitable kitchen in the style of Provence, classic or rustic. But some areas in the style of hi-tech, cosmo or even eclecticism do not always accept such facades.


Glossy facades

We can say that the facades are the face of the kitchen, they are constantly in sight and create a general atmosphere. That is why their selection must be careful and thoughtful. So, glossy options create interiors very well in styles: hi-tech, retro, minimalism, constructivism, cosmo, classical and even some areas of eclecticism. Any interior in the style of the latest generation or modern techno will always harmoniously combine the brilliance of a glossy surface with smooth and even metal.

Dust, dirt, greasy spots are very easy to clean from smooth facades, so these options are also very practical. The only, sometimes, lack of gloss can be all sorts of spots that are very clearly visible on a reflective and glare surface.

Fashionable, unusual, shiny, stylish, beautiful and bright - all these are glossy kitchens that have become very popular. Choosing such a kitchen, everyone can make it individual, because in a variety color palette glossy furniture coatings there is a shade for every taste. Gloss kitchens often become the pride of the hostess and turn the cooking process into a real pleasure. About what should be the care of such kitchens and what types of coatings are used for their production, read on.

Advantages

Glossy kitchens reflect rays of light, making the space appear larger. This material conveys almost any color very well, so even very dark kitchen will look fresh and interesting.

Many glossy materials are resistant to mechanical influences as well as burnout. If a scratch still appears on the surface, then in most cases it is easy to remove it with the help of a furniture polish created specifically for the care of glossy furniture.

Kitchens with a glossy surface are resistant to water ingress. Despite the fact that fingerprints easily remain on such facades, they wash very well. Many people choose headsets with silver chips, as fingerprints are less visible on such a surface. Another option is to opt for a matte bottom and a glossy top, which doesn't give a chance fat traces to be seen on floor cabinets and makes maintenance easier.



materials

The glossy coating of the facades of kitchen furniture is different, which is determined by the material applied to the surface.

PVC

PVC film is the most inexpensive option and by means of vacuum pressing MDF boards are covered with it. A glossy kitchen with such a coating is affordable, and colors and textures are presented in a huge variety.

It is easy to care for glossy PVC furniture, however, such a film does not tolerate direct sunlight and can fade over time, losing brightness. It also exfoliates from the base under the influence of moisture and high temperature.

Acrylic

This material is very popular because it has a lot of advantages:

  • allows you to get the depth and saturation of color;
  • environmentally friendly;
  • under no circumstances does not lose brightness;
  • it is resistant to high humidity;
  • scratches can be easily removed with a special polish.

Among the shortcomings can be called the high cost and the fact that only blank facades are made of acrylic.


Paint and varnish

A layer is applied to the sanded and sanded MDF base special paint, which is dried, then several more layers are applied, after which the surface is varnished. Such a coating does not emit toxic compounds, does not exfoliate or warp from moisture, is represented by hundreds of shades, is easy to clean, and scratches are easily masked by polishing.

Of the minuses, we will name the high cost, burnout under direct sunbeams and the possibility of chipping paint under certain mechanical influences.

Plastic

Such a coating is also called postforming (according to the method of application). This affordable option glossy kitchens, the basis of the facades is most often present chipboard. The material is quite immune to damage and abrasion, absolutely waterproof, but loses color over time, and if a scratch appears, it is difficult to remove it. Such kitchens are mainly made in standard sizes.

Colors and accessories

For glossy kitchens, metal fittings are used, gray handles are the most popular. steel color both shiny and matte. Railing-shaped handles are often used - they look harmoniously on the reflective surface of the facade.

You can most often see glossy kitchens in such interior styles as hi-tech, minimalism, modern. Exquisite look with a glossy finish, as well as a combination of black and white flowers. Designers successfully combine different colors the top and bottom of such kitchens, for example, brown with green, purple with white, gray with black. Kitchens are harmoniously executed in a combination of zebrano color and white or green gloss.

Glossy Kitchen Care

  • Use antistatic agents created specifically for glossy furniture, after applying which the dust on the facades does not settle so quickly.
  • Use wax-based polishes to protect paintwork to help maintain the finish.
  • Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high humidity is undesirable.
  • Do not use aggressive detergents with acids, alkalis, abrasive particles, solvents.
  • Wipe the furniture surface with a damp, well-wrung microfiber cloth.
  • Provide good ventilation so that the room does not accumulate wet air, and it wasn't too hot, as heat is just as damaging to gloss.
  • If the tabletop or table is made of glossy material, then do not place on their surface hot dishes, but use boards and coasters.

Many, when designing a kitchen, from the very beginning are faced with a rather complicated, but very important choice, - what should be perfect kitchen, or matte? Undoubtedly glossy kitchen always looks more presentable and more elegant, but many are repelled by the impracticality of this kind of surfaces. Any traces and scratches gape on the gloss like a brand, and such a kitchen requires several times more maintenance. Matte surfaces are much more practical and convenient, they are easy to clean and harder to spoil, but in order to create a truly original, not only comfortable, but also eye-catching matte kitchen, you should carefully consider all the details and put a lot of time and effort into the work.

Matte kitchen, all the pros and cons

Why do many people increasingly tend to choose matte surfaces? First of all, it is easy to clean them. Even on a dark matte surface there are traces of children's sweaty palms, stains from detergent or just dirt will not be as noticeable as on a shiny gloss. The only thing that can cause problems when cleaning this kind of kitchen is traces of fat, but if you do not postpone cleaning and do not wait until the fat becomes part of the countertop, you can forget about this inconvenience.

Gloss, no doubt, is a brilliant reflection of the ability of the hostess to keep the house clean, but any, even the slightest scratch, can ruin the whole look of the kitchen. Matte surfaces are protected from this kind of excesses, defects are less noticeable on them.

Most often, problems arise due to the ability of matte surfaces to visually reduce space, which can completely ruin the look of a kitchen in small spaces. In addition, when choosing a matte kitchen important role plays on what tones the future color scheme will rely on - dark or light.




Large spaces

The kitchen, often the heart of the home, needs to be perfectly planned. Many owners, having acquired the latest technical innovations and placing kitchen furniture face the problem of extra space. I store knick-knacks on the cabinets, this feeling is hard to get rid of, and the statue between the stove and the refrigerator will look ridiculous. Matte surfaces will be a real salvation for people who are faced with such problems, because dark (not necessarily black) matte furniture visually reduces space. Getting rid of the feeling of emptiness, the kitchen will become much more comfortable, and its inhabitants will not have to spend time, effort and money on its redevelopment.

small kitchens

Most often become highlights small apartments or small, cozy country houses. In this case main feature matte surfaces is being reversed, becoming a big problem for the designer. In fact, even such situations are not hopeless. Small matte kitchens should never be piled up with extra kitchen utensils, and make it completely dark or light. The best solution will completely abandon contrasting colors, using only textural elements, for example, decorated with marble or. Such surfaces will retain all the features of a matte finish, and will not deprive small kitchens of such a precious space for them.

dark kitchens

In addition to all of the above, shades of matte surfaces play a very important role. Dark matte finishes suitable for people with a measured, calm pace of life, because their vocation is to calm and relax. Such a kitchen is not suitable for people who have only fifteen minutes for lunch, it will attract to itself, inspire certain thoughts, relax and rebuild the life rhythm of a person for themselves. In such rooms, rest is much better, and eating becomes measured and truly refined, because no one starts to rush anywhere, and everyone just enjoys life.

bright open spaces

Matte kitchens, decorated in light (very often white) colors, have a completely opposite effect on a person. This kind of design can be compared to invigorating coffee - refined, elegant, sophisticated, but at the same time invigorating, pushing to action indicating problem solving. Such kitchens are very good for families without children who spend little time at home, but want to be surrounded by luxury. Most often, such people are active and proactive, so everything around, including the kitchen, should support their undertakings and aspirations.

The most popular materials for the manufacture of kitchen sets are chipboard and MDF. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages, but positive feedback much more about MDF facades. They better tolerate moisture, temperature changes and other destructive factors. The disadvantages are most often mentioned by buyers who saved on the quality of the material. Let's figure out what MDF kitchens are: pros and cons, manufacturing and operation features.

The abbreviation "MDF" stands for "fine wood fraction". This means that the material is made of small sawdust. They are glued under high pressure with the help of lignin and paraffin, forming plates of a given size. The compositions that are used to produce the material are safe. They do not emit toxic substances during operation and when heated.


The differences between MDF and chipboard are in the size of the wood fraction and adhesives. Chipboard is made using formaldehyde resins. They are also used for the manufacture of cabinet furniture, but in terms of environmental safety, they are inferior to MDF. With the destruction of the upper finishing layer particle boards may release harmful substances into the atmosphere.


original design MDF kitchens

In the production of kitchen sets, a combination of both types of plates is most often used: the bodies are made of chipboard, and the facades are made of MDF. Chipboard - more loose and cheap material, and MDF is ideal for making furniture with rounded graceful lines. Most main disadvantage kitchens from MDF - a relatively high price, because. manufacturers have to buy imported materials.


Fronts made of painted MDF with print

Video: which is better - MDF or chipboard

Which panels are suitable for furniture production

Depending on the production technology, there are three types of MDF panels:

  • Fully pressed. The plates are distinguished by heat and sound insulating properties, they tolerate moisture well. Density is medium.
  • Laminated. Panels of this type are harder than integrally pressed. They are highly resistant to mechanical damage, moisture and chemicals.
  • Moisture resistant. This dense material, which copes well with loads, tolerates moisture, hot condensate well.

For the manufacture of kitchen sets, laminated and moisture resistant boards. Whole pressed ones are less suitable for rooms with high humidity and specific temperature regime characteristic of the kitchen.


Black and white aesthetic

Pros and cons of MDF kitchen sets

  • Price. Composite material is cheaper than solid wood. The combination with chipboard allows you to further reduce the cost of production. Ready-made sets vary greatly in cost, so everyone can choose furniture that will not hit the family budget.


Positive colors in the design of the kitchen

  • Presentable appearance. Raw panels look unattractive, so they are processed. Plates can be given any appearance, incl. decorate under natural wood, marble or granite. To do this, use films, plastic, enamel. It turns out spectacular matte and glossy MDF panels for the kitchen.


  • Good performance. quality material resistant to mechanical stress and can serve for many years. Ready-made furniture is easy to clean: to remove dirt, simply wipe the surface with a damp sponge.


It happens that the plates swell, deform, and the edge finish peels off. This usually happens if the manufacturer has saved on the quality of adhesives or finishes. It is difficult to distinguish furniture made from such panels from high-quality ones. The difference becomes apparent only during operation.

The most common troubles faced by buyers of kitchen sets made of low-quality material:

  • The finish will fade in direct sunlight.
  • The film peels off. Most often this happens with pieces of furniture located near the stove.
  • When cleaning, scratches remain on the material.


3 reasons to choose furniture from MDF panels

  1. design potential. Plates are valued for their ease of processing. Material can be cut well conventional tools, it can be given any shape. Facades are decorated with patterns made on milling machine. Panels are a valuable material for making furniture. They are able to serve for many years without losing their original appearance.
  2. Operational characteristics. In many respects, MDF is not inferior, if not superior to natural wood. Furniture with MDF fronts can be dismantled and reassembled without compromising the strength of the joints. Additional benefits- fire safety, antiseptic properties, water resistance.
  3. Aesthetic finish. For exterior finish panels use film, plastic, enamel, veneer, laminate. Facades acquire a chic appearance and are suitable for creating respectable interiors in any style.


Advantages of painted kitchens

Kitchens made of painted MDF have their pros and cons. They are exceptionally beautiful. The color scheme can be any, with the most unexpected shades and combinations. IN last years facades painted with gradient transitions, as well as with a chameleon effect, have gained particular popularity.

Automobile enamels are used for painting plates. They are applied in several layers. This is a complex multi-stage process, but the finished surfaces look aesthetically pleasing, and the color is bright and durable. There are matte and glossy MDF panels for the kitchen. Front side slabs can be smooth or have a pattern applied by milling. Enamels fit well on any type of surface. Color is uniform.


Corner kitchen made of painted MDF panels

Features of operation and care

The material does not absorb odors, is not afraid of high temperatures and direct sunlight. Kitchens made from painted MDF panels are very easy to care for. They are wiped with sponges dipped in solutions of household chemicals. You need to be careful when choosing funds. Too aggressive substances and abrasives can damage the coatings.

Glossy MDF panels for the kitchen have a significant drawback: when touched, fingerprints remain on them. They have to be constantly wiped down. It's not the best practical option. Another disadvantage: when hitting, scratches and chips can remain on the surfaces of the panels.


Varieties of painted facades

Kitchens with facades made of film MDF

Compared to painted film MDF is cheaper. This is due to the less complex manufacturing technology of the material. PVC film with a thickness of 0.3-0.5 mm is applied using a special vacuum press. The material can be any color, with or without a pattern.


Facades that imitate texture are very popular. natural wood. They are universal and suitable for almost any style of interior - from classic to modern. Determine if the headset is made of composite material, only possible at close range.

Note! Film MDF is not inferior to wood in any way. performance characteristics, nor on environmental safety.


How to care for facades with foil

kitchen from film MDF more practical than dyed. She's easier to take care of. The film is not afraid of brushes, tolerates well household chemicals resistant to mechanical damage. Although the coating is durable, it is still better not to experiment with abrasives and aggressive chemicals. If damaged, it cannot be restored.


Finishing film has its drawbacks. It can peel off under the influence of high temperature or hot steam. Most often, the coating moves away from the plates on the facades located next to the ovens. Wall cabinets installed near the burners also suffer. If there is a kettle or a boiling pot on the stove, hot steam can cause the material to warp.


Film-coated MDF cabinet

Advice. Try to install kitchen furniture with film facades at a distance from the stove and electric kettle. Even a short distance will be enough. In this case, the facades will last for many years without changing their original appearance. Also, a good hood can save the situation.


island cuisine from film MDF

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

MDF kitchens with plastic - a new trend

MDF board surface can be finished polymeric materials. Plastic is everything best qualities films and enamels. It is durable, does not fade in direct sunlight, tolerates short-term exposure to temperatures up to 160 degrees. Another advantage is the reasonable price.

plastic sheets, which are pasted on MDF, do not emit any harmful substances, have no smell, do not cause allergic reactions. It is hygienic environmentally safe material, which does not change its properties throughout the entire period of operation.


Plastic application technology MDF surface is such that the materials adhere strongly and form an almost unified whole. Thanks to this, the furniture tolerates point impacts well, no chips or scratches remain on it. Facades do not rot, fungi and mold do not multiply on them. The material does not deform from water even with constant direct contact.


Concerning colors she is extremely wealthy. There are about 400 different colors and shades of material. This allows you to achieve incredible combinations and create expressive interiors in any style.

The material reflects light, making the glossy MDF panels for the kitchen look very impressive and do not fade. They are good for decoration small spaces, because visually expand the space, add air and light.


Cons of glossy plastic panels

Spectacular shine can not always be considered a virtue. In bright light, it can irritate the eyes. If you have chosen a kitchen with glossy MDF panels, you should think about adjusting the degree of illumination of the room, hanging curtains or blinds on the windows. Another drawback is stains on work surfaces. They will have to be wiped with a soft cloth after each cooking.


glossy shine

MDF panels with plastic trim not suitable for creating frilly furniture - with complex curves and protrusions. The design of such kitchens is not diverse. But buyers who prefer clear, strict lines will be satisfied. It is also impossible to change the smooth texture of the material, to make it embossed.

Advice. Glossy surfaces require careful care. If they are constantly washed, the plastic may become thinner. To avoid this, professional protective equipment. Such processing is carried out every six months, this is enough to save appearance kitchens.


Video: material manufacturing technology

Design of corner kitchens from MDF panels

MDF panels are used for the manufacture of kitchens of any configuration - linear, island, etc. In many cases, buyers prefer corner models. They fit perfectly into small rooms, but bright colours and glossy sheen visually increase the space.

The material is durable and easy to process, therefore, in the manufacture corner kitchens almost any design options are possible from MDF - smooth transitions, beveled and curved lines, intricate shapes. Look impressive corner sets in which the facades are made of panels different colors.


Designers recommend choosing kitchens in which the countertop is made from a single piece of MDF with plastic or film. Coatings are moisture resistant high temperature and are easy to care for. If the countertop is solid, then you do not have to clean the gaps between the headset modules. This helps prevent scratches and abrasion of materials.


When choosing a kitchen from MDF, you have to take into account all the pros and cons of the material, the features of care. Designers recommend paying special attention to the shades of facades. The lighter they are, the less noticeable the joints between the sections of the headset. Give the same effect glossy surfaces: they distract attention. And here are the dark saturated colors emphasize the docking points of individual modules. All these nuances can be fundamentally important, so it makes sense to consult with a professional designer before buying.