Name " kitchen apron"appeared by association with work clothes, which were customary to wear while cooking. Having a similar protective function, the surface between the desktop and the cabinets also has a decorative purpose. Often it is also a bright accent element of the room. We will consider the questions of which apron to choose for the kitchen, which material is best suited for these purposes, in this article.

An example of a kitchen apron with bright fruit accents

Requirements for a kitchen apron

The apron in the kitchen is an area located in a narrow strip between the countertop and wall cabinets. Moreover, this is a problem area, which daily receives drops of water and splashes from cooking food.

An apron with a laconic ornament over the work area

Eat different types aprons that allow you to make this part of the wall beautiful and practical. But they all share common requirements:

• heat resistance and moisture resistance;
• immunity to chemicals;
• strength;
• ease of care.

Using mosaic ceramic tiles for apron

No matter how neat the housewife is, she still has to wash the kitchen apron. It is not always possible to clean it with plain water and a sponge. There are a number chemical substances designed to remove fat. Therefore, the wall surface must be well resistant to water and cleaning agents.

Metal coated apron

It's worth taking care of the joints work surface and an apron. To prevent dirt and water from entering these places, they are treated silicone sealant and cover with a plinth, plastic or ceramic. And to protect the seams, moisture-resistant grout and special varnish are used.

This is how ceramic tile grouting works

Important! Traditionally, the entire strip of wall between the work surface and the upper cabinets is covered with an apron. But at the request of the owners, individual parts in the area of ​​the hood and sink can also be decorated.

A colorful apron above the work area in a linear kitchen set

Types of aprons by material

When deciding which apron to choose for the kitchen, it is worth considering several types of materials. The operational and aesthetic properties of the area near the work surfaces, as well as its durability, depend on them.

Kitchen apron made of mosaic ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular finishing materials and can be used in kitchens with different stylistic trends. And a huge selection of colors and textures allows even ordinary cuisine create a stylish room with modest furniture. The service life of tiles varies: ceramic will last 15 years or more, glazed - more than three decades, double firing will allow it to retain its qualities for half a century.

Apron made of ceramic tiles of the same texture, different shades

The tile is known for its fire resistance, which is important for a kitchen with gas stove. It is resistant to water and easy to maintain, easy to wash and clean, and dried drops of water and grease are not as noticeable as on other materials. Moreover, almost any chemical reagents can be used for cleaning.

Ceramic tiles as an ideal surface protection above the kitchen work area

Among the disadvantages of tiles, they note that they are difficult to install. Often, to lay out an apron from such material, you have to use the services of specialists. And high-quality tiles from a renowned manufacturer are quite expensive. But all costs will be recouped by ease of use and for a long time services.

Laying ceramic tiles for the future backsplash

Stone

Natural stone is rarely used to decorate walls in the kitchen. Such material is expensive and heavy. Its artificial analogue allows you to create a solid desktop surface that smoothly turns into an apron. Usually acrylic stone is used for it, which is hygienic and durable. A surface made of this material will fit well into any kitchen style from minimalism to country.

Exquisite kitchen apron made of natural stone

Among the advantages of artificial stone, there is a large palette of colors and various decors. Imitation is often chosen natural material, for example granite or marble. Such an apron is easy to maintain and can be easily restored in case of scratches. Moreover, you don’t even have to remove it for repairs; the technician can do everything at home.

Artificial stone as an apron and countertop for the kitchen

You can complement such an apron with a sink, window sill and bar counter made of the same material, which will create a stylish and impressive interior.

Artificial stone as the main material for countertops and aprons

Artificial stone in the interior bright kitchen in the Provence style

MDF

Such an apron, which represents thin sheets with top furniture film, is popular due to its inexpensive prices. It is easy to install. To do this, you only need to secure it to the frame or glue it to liquid nails. MDF panels are easy to dismantle.

MDF apron for the kitchen

Among positive qualities The versatility should also be noted, since the apron fits well into any design. Manufacturers of kitchen sets offer panels in the color of the countertop with an additional corner plinth in the same design. It is moisture resistant and perfectly tolerates mechanical damage.

Kitchen apron made of MDF panels

One of the disadvantages of an MDF apron is its fragility: constant exposure to elevated temperature, moisture will gradually render it unusable. Unlike ceramics or glass, the material is flammable and can release toxic substances when ignited.

MDF apron over the work surface

Mosaic

A mosaic apron is an unusual, but at the same time traditional option for wall decoration in the kitchen. It is made from the same material as large-format tiles, but has its own operating characteristics and spectacular appearance. The mosaic panel consists of small elements glued to a special base.

Bright mosaic tiles for a splashback in the kitchen

Note! The price of such an apron will be quite high. But with a huge variety of colors and patterns, you can choose the option that will perfectly fit into the style plan of the kitchen.

Mosaic tiles in the style of a kitchen set

In addition to the price, mosaic surfaces are difficult to install. It is imperative to pay attention to the seams, of which there are quite a lot, otherwise they can quickly lose their original appearance. The mosaic is also difficult to dismantle.

Masonry mosaic tiles on the kitchen apron

Mirror

An extraordinary choice of material for a kitchen apron is a mirror. A long strip above the work surface will visually increase the available space. It will create a feeling of infinity and freedom. And on a sunny day or when the lamps are on, it can also fill the kitchen with additional light.

A mirror as an apron in the kitchen visually expands the scope of the room

Caring for such an apron is easy. The material is usually subjected to special treatment, so it tolerates chemical influences well. It can be washed with ordinary kitchen products. The mirror withstands temperature changes well, and the manufacturing technology gives it sufficient strength.

Mirror surface of the kitchen apron

Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that when high humidity This apron gets sweaty quickly. And all the stains and splashes will be very clearly visible on it.

Kitchen apron made of mirror mosaic

Glass

This material for the apron is new among other finishing options. It is made from glass panels with a thickness of over 6 mm. And it is decorated according to the customer’s wishes: it can be color photo printing or artistic matting. This material is also safe to use; the glass is specially tempered so that if the surface is damaged, sharp fragments do not appear.

Tempered glass splashback with built-in lighting

A glass apron is convenient in everyday life. It is easy to clean, and today there are many ways to prevent stains. special means. This material can withstand high temperatures from hob. Looks like glass surface like a single canvas. This is done by sanding the edges and carefully joining the panels without visible seams.

Apron made of white frosted tempered glass

The disadvantage of a glass apron is its price and constant polishing of the surface.

Glass apron as important decorative element in the kitchen

Plastic

This option suits many because it has beautiful view kitchen apron low cost money. Its service life can be five years. The plastic is installed and removed very easily, without requiring special and thorough preparation of the walls. Alternatively, such panels can have seams or be made seamless.

Exquisite plastic apron for the kitchen in rich red color

The design of a plastic apron can be very diverse: plain, with a pattern, photo printing; imitating various materials. You can choose different surface textures of the sheets: glossy or matte, with or without embossing. This kind of apron is easy to maintain, but you need to attach it at a sufficient distance from the stove or cover it with glass. Over time, scratches and damage appear on the plastic, so do not use hard brushes when cleaning.

Kitchen apron made of purple plastic

Apron design

When considering which apron to choose for the kitchen, some owners want to make a bright accent spot in the kitchen, while others prefer not to worry about the aesthetic side, focusing on practicality and usefulness.

Mosaic multi-colored apron for the kitchen

The following design options are available:

• Neutrality. The selected option performs a purely functional task. But it happens that the combination of an apron and a tabletop, made in a single decor, becomes the highlight of the kitchen;
• Contrast. The purpose of this decoration is to attract attention. A contrasting apron can break up the monotony color scheme kitchens and focus on this area;
• Brightness. The wall above the desk in a similar color sophistication will create in the interior high mood. Various accessories are selected to support it: curtains, cabinet handles, towels;
• Style. A kitchen apron can become an indispensable element that supports style direction premises. For example, a subject panel for classics, imitation of old wood for Provence, a metal base for techno - such a design creates the right mood in the design.

When thinking about what material to choose for a kitchen backsplash, plastic, tile or glass, get acquainted with other options. Market building materials can also offer aluminum, wood, and decorative brick.

Metal apron for the kitchen made of sheet aluminum

Wooden panel as an apron and countertop

But when deciding to buy, think that you will only have to purchase 3-4 square meters, and the requirements for such a surface are quite high. Therefore, you should not skimp on material, especially since housewives have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. And not only look at these walls, but also monitor their integrity and cleanliness.

An apron is the covering of the part of the wall between the upper and lower cabinets of a kitchen set. Its task is to protect the wall from moisture, hot steam, grease, splashes and any dirt. To make your choice easier, we have compared the most practical and effective finishing options. working area according to five important criteria. Professional advice on what to make a kitchen apron from, comparison the best materials And real photos beautiful aprons - in this article.

Correct sizes

• Usually kitchen apron height varies from 45 to 60 centimeters. How high it should be in your case depends on the height of the household, the type of stove and the type of furniture. For a short housewife, it is more convenient to hang the upper modules lower, leaving 40-55 cm between the table top and the bottom edge of the cabinets. The edges of the finishing material should extend a couple of centimeters under the lower/upper cabinets.

• As for width, most often the entire wall along the worktop is covered with a decorative coating - from edge to edge kitchen furniture. If you wish, you can limit yourself to small protective inserts only in the sink and hob area.
• In a kitchen with a gas stove, the distance between the hob and the hood should be at least 75-80 cm. Provide for this protrusion in the kitchen design.
• Kitchen apron without upper cabinets It's worth bringing it all the way to the ceiling.

Selecting color and design

• Decide in advance which apron is best to choose for the kitchen - a bright accent one or a neutral one, which will only serve as a backdrop for a beautiful set.
• White apron (plain or with inserts of mosaics, bright tiles and ceramic decors) can be easily combined with any color kitchen. Other neutral tones are also popular: milky, creamy, beige, light gray, champagne and ivory.
• A dark, glossy finish is impractical: water droplets and grease splashes will be especially noticeable on it.

Photos of aprons for the kitchen: top 5 best materials

Ceramic tile

The best option in terms of price, quality, durability and convenience. Glazed wall tiles are more often used to decorate the apron, and thin and light porcelain tiles are less often used. The most popular formats are 10x10, 15x15, 20x30 and 20x40 cm, as well as a different-sized “hog”.

In the photo: an example of a stylish backsplash made of 10x10 cm tiles with a patchwork pattern (Batik collection from Bayker)

The tiles have many decors to suit different tastes and every budget. The surface of ceramics can imitate the texture of stone, wood, metal, and concrete.

When choosing tiles for your kitchen backsplash, take a closer look at their texture: rough and textured ones are difficult to keep clean, so you should give preference to glossy, smooth ones.

Price. Decor ceramic apron will cost more than plastic, but much cheaper than glass and acrylic stone. In addition to the cost of the material, do not forget to include in the calculation the costs of leveling mixture, glue, grout for joints, sealant and the work of craftsmen.

Installation . Installation should be left to a professional. The work area in a kitchen of any size is always the center of attention, and laying tiles flawlessly is not easy without experience. Important point: ceramics last a long time. If you don't like the design, it won't be easy to change it.

Durability. It will easily last you 15 years or more.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care . ★★★★★

Modern design ideas and photographs of kitchen tile backsplashes in real interiors We have compiled a selection below:

An original idea for an apron on the wall in the kitchen-living room with modern interior
Traditional kitchen design in Provence style

Options for a bright kitchen with a phototile apron

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Strained glass

When choosing a drawing or photo from the catalog for a glass kitchen apron, consider the color of the facades

A beautiful and practical material, which in many properties is not inferior to ceramics. A glass apron is easier to maintain than you might think, and heat and moisture do not spoil its appearance.

In the kitchen they use durable tempered glass with a thickness of 6 and 8 mm with different designs: transparent, painted, tinted, matted and decorated with photo printing.

Price. This type of finish can hardly be called budget: glass panels with photo printing (skins) are noticeably more expensive than tiles and mosaics, not to mention plastic. In addition to the cost of manufacturing the apron, glass and the necessary fasteners, you will have to pay extra for the design (the photo from the catalog will probably need to be modified), color proofing, installation, cutting out holes for sockets and other services that are not obvious to the inexperienced buyer. Most inexpensive option- transparent protective screen, the wall behind which can be painted or covered with beautiful wallpaper.

Installation . The main advantage of a glass apron is the speed of installation and the absence of “dirty” work - the whole process takes a couple of hours.

Durability. Contrary to the fears of many, such an apron can decorate your kitchen for a long time without losing its attractive appearance. Some companies provide a 5-year warranty. Of course, we are talking about a high-quality product with UV printing with good ink.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care . ★★★★

Fingerprints, water and grease marks are more noticeable on glass than on tiles. But a smooth panel without joints is much easier to clean than cleaning numerous seams. It is enough to regularly wipe it with a damp sponge and soapy water and use a glass care product from time to time.

By choosing a light glass apron for a small kitchen (as in the photo), you will visually expand the small space

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Plastic

The optimal choice for economy class headsets and temporary repairs, especially if you are going to do it yourself.

A good assortment of inexpensive plastic kitchen aprons is available in Leroy Merlin, OBI and other construction hypermarkets.

There are two finishing options:

• Furniture panel made of MDF, chipboard and fibreboard, lined decorative plastic HPL - plain or with decor like wood, ceramics, stone, mosaic.
• PVC wall panels. Flexible screens are attached to the wall using glue and aluminum profile. In terms of practicality and durability, they are inferior to MDF and chipboard: they are thinner, lose color faster, and cannot be installed in kitchens with gas hob- deformed.

Price. Most a budget option in our selection. A three-meter plastic panel in the same Leroy Merlin can be purchased for an average of 1.5-2.5 thousand rubles.

Installation. An important advantage of a plastic apron when renovating a kitchen is its simple installation, which even a beginner can handle. It is easy to make holes for sockets and rails directly during installation.

Durability. Of all the materials in our review, this type of apron has the shortest service life. Compared to other options, it will most quickly lose its “face” and is unlikely to last more than 3-5 years. But it is easy and inexpensive to replace.

Moisture resistance. ★★★

According to this indicator, it seriously loses to competing materials. But if you take a high-quality MDF apron and cover the joints with the tabletop with plinth, you don’t have to worry about problems.

Care . ★★★★

It is enough to wipe a plastic apron with a damp microfiber cloth or soft sponge. Make sure that water does not flood the edges, otherwise the base of the slab may warp and swell.

An apron for a kitchen made of MDF with photo printing is best complemented with neutral facades and a plain finish

Wood-look laminate countertops and splashbacks can easily be combined with a white kitchen

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Mosaic

Contrast finish mosaic apron will make the kitchen design bright and modern: the “chameleon” material looks different depending on the lighting and perfectly brings the interior together.

Price. Compared to ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, mosaic is a less profitable option for decorating a backsplash. Both the installation work and the necessary materials will be more expensive: you will have to buy special glue and grout. If you want to save money, choose mosaic tiles. It is cheaper and greatly simplifies installation.

Installation . Grouting numerous seams is a labor-intensive process: it requires experience, time and great care.

Durability. Will serve without any complaints long years. Normal service life quality material- 20-25 years.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care . ★★★★

See the photographs below for examples of real kitchen aprons made of mosaics (glass, ceramic, stone, metal):

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Fake diamond

Most often, an apron made of artificial stone is combined with a countertop made of the same material.

Price. Perhaps the most expensive design option for a work area in our selection.

Installation . Needs work experienced craftsmen, but there will be no dirt during installation.

Durability. With careful handling, acrylic stone will last you a very long time, but over time micro-scratches appear. To the credit of the material, it is easy to restore: sand out cracks and build up chips. After polishing it will be like new.

Moisture resistance. ★★★★★

Care . ★★★★★

You can learn more about this finishing material.

Curly Wall panel from corian
A stone apron is often chosen for a classic kitchen MORE 7 PHOTOS CLOSE

You liked the expensive finishing material, and new renovation do you plan to do more soon? Do not deny yourself the pleasure - you will admire a beautiful apron every day! Do the math different variants. Moreover, a typical kitchen requires very little finishing.

An apron for the kitchen is the second thing after furniture in importance, and the first in functionality. The convenience of the working area in the kitchen and its appearance will depend on it in the future. The kitchen apron is designed to protect the most contaminated part of the walls, which is located in close proximity to water and the stove.

There are quite a lot of materials from which such kitchen aprons are made, but ceramic tiles have held the lead for many years.

Ceramic tile

Due to its excellent performance characteristics, ceramic tiles are easy to clean and are not afraid of high temperatures and is resistant to mechanical stress. The ceramic apron has another undeniable advantage over competing materials: it has such a wide selection of both colors and textures that it easily allows you to create the illusion of any desired material.

A ceramic kitchen apron can perfectly imitate wood, leather, metal or stone. And no one will even guess that in front of him is the familiar ceramic tile.

Ceramic tiles are most often found in interiors, since their ease of maintenance and durability have already been proven, and no one will doubt its durability.

Advice! When choosing a tile, you also need to take into account its texture. A texture that is too elaborate and complex will be more difficult to clean, and cleanliness in the kitchen is the key to health.

There are no more special requirements for tiles. You can safely choose any color you like, combining textures and playing with shades.

Advantages of tiles

• Most of the collections on the market are resistant to temperature changes, are not afraid of mechanical damage and do not lose color brightness. Unlike other materials, microcracks will never appear on a tiled kitchen apron.
• The tile practically does not need special care, you just need to clean it regularly with mild soap solutions or special cosmetics. Ceramic tiles are not afraid of any contamination, due to the fact that the dense layer of glaze does not allow ordinary liquids or caustic substances to pass through, and helps to clean without the slightest effort.

Disadvantages of tiles

• There are seams from porous material between the tiles. This significantly reduces the hygienic properties of ceramics. (How to fix it, read below

Advice! In order to increase the hygienic properties of ceramics, the joints between the ceramic tiles are smoothly grouted. After which it is additionally coated with a protective varnish.

Plastic

Plastic has the optimal balance of cost, practicality and quality. In the production of plastic aprons, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) panels are used.

The main advantages of which are:

• resistance to pollution and durability;
• strength;
• ease of installation;
• aesthetic appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages

• This apron is resistant to hot steam and moisture.
• An indisputable advantage is the relative cheapness compared to other analogues, for example, made of stone or tile.
• However, it should be borne in mind that when cleaning the work surface, you should avoid using abrasive materials, as this can lead to scratches and will significantly spoil the overall favorable impression of the kitchen.
• It is also necessary to protect the panels from exposure to open fire, as this will lead to their irreversible deformation.

Cleaning and maintenance

• When choosing an apron, you should focus on whole sheet plastic without seams, because dirt and grease accumulated in the seams are difficult to remove during cleaning and worsen the appearance.
• No special equipment is required for maintenance and cleaning of the plastic apron. detergents, because quite regular will do soap solution and a damp sponge, and ease of maintenance allows you to significantly save time when cleaning.

Material safety

• When choosing panels, you should pay attention to the environmental safety of raw materials, because during production quality apron The same polyvinyl chloride must be used as that used in the manufacture of utensils intended for storing food.
• If this requirement is met, you do not have to worry about the health and well-being of your household.

A plastic kitchen apron has a number of undeniable advantages over analogues made from other materials, however, when making the final decision, in any case, you will have to be guided only by your taste, preferences and financial capabilities.

Glass apron

The glass apron burst into the interior and took a leading position. With its help, a room for preparing and eating food can turn into a designer masterpiece, even if a professional was not even there, and all the decorative elements were invented and discussed at a family council of people far from architectural innovations.

Someone can twirl their finger at their temple and say with disdain that glass is a fragile material and glass aprons are an impractical and short-lived design. But this is far from the case.

Today's technologies make it possible to endow glass with such properties that it can easily outperform mosaic or ceramic coatings. Moreover, the originality of the design, which distinguishes a kitchen splashback made of glass from any other, will make all guests green with envy and gasp, because you can choose almost any design or image.

The main thing is that they meet certain quality requirements. If you want to look at nature every day, choose flower arrangements and landscapes; if you need a working mood - geometric patterns; and if you want something tasty, then definitely fruits or sweets.

Advantages of a glass apron

• Skinali are made from durable six-millimeter sheet glass that has undergone special tempering.
• This apron does not require lengthy installation; the entire process takes only a few hours.
• It also does not require specific care: just wipe it with a damp cloth once a week. soapy solution sponge
• The durability and practicality of the skinali are optimally combined with its price.
• Photo printing applied to tempered glass does not fade over time, all colors continue to remain bright and saturated.
• A drawing can create any style or fit organically into an existing one.

The only drawback

• Requires more frequent care, since dirt on the glass is more noticeable.

Photo tile

Anyone who wants to install a kitchen backsplash with a more modern appearance chooses photo tiles. Kitchen photo tiles are decorated with your favorite landscape or archival family photo. This makes it possible to emphasize the individuality and self-sufficiency of the interior, which, according to by and large, no longer requires other elaborate details.

Important! It is important to remember that phototiles cannot be cleaned with substances containing abrasive elements. Otherwise, microcracks or scratches may appear.

Advantages and disadvantages

• The advantages, of course, include the originality of the result obtained. High-quality photo tiles are resistant to moisture, as well as mechanical and chemical influences.
• One of the disadvantages of such tiles is its price. Such tiles cost a lot. The cheapest tiles are those made using the sublimation method. This tile is quite bright, but fades quickly. Therefore, it will not be the best option for a brightly lit kitchen. In any case, it won't last long.
• The disadvantage of phototiles is the possibility of peeling and cracking of the printed layer.

Mirror tiles

If there is a small kitchen space often the choice falls on mirror tiles. This simple technique allows you to visually create the illusion of a larger space, as if it is expanding.

But taking care of such an interior is much more difficult: any imprint, any drop of water or grease is easily applied and must be constantly washed.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Thanks to the property of reflection, mirror tiles expand the boundaries of the room, making it more spacious and bright.
• It is very difficult to care for such tiles. The tile is very easily soiled and any drop of water or grease is easily applied. This is why it needs to be washed constantly.
• There is another drawback mirror tiles. Anyone who prefers to install rails and hang various jars and bottles on them should refuse such tiles, since all these double kitchen utensils will significantly burden the space. And the effect of visual volume simply cannot be achieved.

An apron in the kitchen in the context of organizing space is a special wall cladding in the work area (near the stove, cutting surface, sink). Its purpose is to protect walls from contamination by food debris, splashes of water and drops of grease. Usually differ from the rest of the wall surface in appearance and type of material. For example, the walls may have washable wallpaper, and the apron (the wall in the work area 2 m from the floor) is finished tiles or moisture-resistant plastic.

Special aprons for the kitchen work area

The key requirements for the apron material are the possibility of easy and safe cleaning without compromising the quality of the surface. Typically, moisture-resistant, durable materials With smooth surface- tiles, porcelain tiles, mosaics. If it is not possible to carry out full repairs and purchase expensive materials, glue tiles, and seal seams, then you can choose a more affordable and practical way to protect the walls in the work area. Special aprons for the kitchen made of rolled self-adhesive material, as well as thin rigid CPL panels based on ABS plastic or fiberboard (fibreboard, HDF) do an excellent job as an apron.

Advantages of plastic aprons and fiberboard boards

Their advantages are obvious to many buyers:

• instant installation;
• compactness;
• low cost;
• practicality;
• durability;
• design variability.

Unlike conventional ceramics in the work area, an apron based on plastic or fiberboard can be mounted on the wall almost instantly. For this, special construction glue or self-tapping screws are used. Installation takes only a few minutes and does not require outside help. Depending on the nature of the rough surface, the film or tile can be fixed with any in a convenient way. For carrier concrete wall which ordinary screwdrivers cannot handle, liquid nails do. For wood or drywall, you can use self-tapping screws.

Most removable kitchen splashbacks come in the form of small rolls (for ABS plastic) or MDF and HDF panels. The average length of one product is 2-2.6 m, width - 0.6-0.8 m. The low weight of the products - no more than 4 kg - reduces delivery costs.

After installation in the work area, kitchen aprons show excellent performance:

1. resistance to stains;
2. water-repellent properties;
3. heat resistance and shape stability;
4. resistance to chemical cleaning agents.

Most aprons are coated with a special water-repellent composition with a matte or glossy texture. Thanks to it, easy and quick cleaning is possible using a damp sponge and conventional soap-based detergents (dishwashing gels, special solutions for wet cleaning in the kitchen). Abrasive powders and metal jaws It's better not to use it.

At proper care Kitchen aprons retain their original properties for a long time, do not fade in the sun, and do not swell under the influence of hot steam and moisture. Manufacturers recommend installing them directly near the hob with caution, because the temperature range of the material is limited. Constant exposure to heat from the stove can cause the plastic to warp or cause a fire. The ideal place to install the apron is near the sink or cutting surface.

Design of aprons for the kitchen: there are plenty to choose from!

In addition to the practical component, kitchen aprons also have a decorative function. Many housewives buy them not so much to protect the wall from splashes of grease, but to decorate and stylize the kitchen interior. Manufacturers offer customers a choice a wide range of aprons in different designs. The great variability and variety of designs of roll and panel aprons determines various ways of using them:

• imitation of natural finishing materials using a high-precision image of the texture and pattern of natural stone, wood, and ceramics;
• decorating the work area different styles using photo printing or drawing on an apron.

The use of aprons imitating the surface of tiles, natural or artificial stone, wood and others natural materials- a popular solution in the design of the kitchen work area. Users choose aprons made from granite, marble, sandstone, pebbles, and wood veneer. Many people find it more practical to buy and install a panel with imitation mosaic finishing walls are much faster, more practical and cheaper. For comparison, a full-fledged finishing of an apron in a kitchen work area using ceramic tiles costs an average of 40-50 thousand rubles. The cost of an apron 2.5 m long is about 1,340 rubles per unit. In this case, there is no need to buy additional tile adhesive, grout, or working tools. The benefits of such a solution are obvious.

Decorative aprons: a wide field for creativity

For buyers who prefer unusual design solutions In the kitchen interior, manufacturers offer aprons with photo printing. This is simply a huge field for activity and flight of fancy, which does not require special training or knowledge. There are a huge number of types and types of images on aprons. We list only the main categories:

• macro photography of natural objects (flowers, trees, leaves, grass, fruits);
• panoramic photographs of cities, natural landscapes, beautiful landscapes;
• thematic images (food, drinks);
• abstraction (patterns, animal prints).

Macro photography is one of the most popular types of images that users choose when purchasing a kitchen backsplash. These are large photographs in which small details are clearly visible (for example, the veins of petals and leaves, drops of water on fruit, grains of strawberries and other details). Large and detailed images of flowers and leaves with dew drops are in greatest demand. Another popular macro photography theme is fruits falling into water. Large and clear photographs of juicy and bright fruits look very appropriate in the kitchen, delivering aesthetic pleasure and whetting the appetite. Staged photographs of food and drinks, products: coffee beans, bread, confectionery, chocolate, spices look just as good.

Panoramic shots, urban views, landscapes are usually used to stylize and emphasize the style of the kitchen interior. This could be a black and white photo Eiffel Tower or the suburbs of Paris, the panorama of night New York or London - everything that should emphasize the general direction of kitchen design in English, French or other style.

Abstract patterns look great in some interiors, geometric figures, animal prints (zebra or tiger stripes, leopard spots), splashes of water, concentric circles and large curving lines.

What should you choose?

Which design option to choose depends on your preferences and kitchen design features. Aprons with imitation finishing materials - granite, marble, tiles, small mosaics - look universal and are suitable for any room. You need to be careful with drawings and macro photographs, because... There is always the possibility of going too far with color, choosing the wrong style, ruining the overall impression of the interior..

Today we’ll talk about the most popular materials for decorating a work area, compare them and find out which material is best suited for decorating a kitchen apron.

You will learn the pros and cons of each coating, see examples ready-made solutions in the interior from ordinary materials and aprons created with your own hands from non-traditional elements. Yaroslav Belyavsky, the owner of a repair company, a former tiler with 20 years of experience in this profile, kindly agreed to help us decide.

Budget options

Kitchen apron made of PVC panels

PVC panels are now very popular because they are inexpensive, and in appearance they are indistinguishable from real tempered glass. But they look like this for only a short time...

The surface quickly becomes dull, is afraid of abrasives, and as a result quickly scratches, acquiring a very shabby appearance.

Besides, plastic panels made of PVC are afraid of high temperatures, which means that it is completely undesirable to place them near the hob.

In a word, the option is cheap, but very bad and in the end it will cost you more than something more decent.

Kitchen apron made of wooden lining

The option is very cozy, inexpensive and looks just great. Such aprons look especially good in kitchens decorated in any of the country styles, for example, the same “Provence”.

Almost anyone can make such a coating and there is no need to involve professionals.

average price

Kitchen apron made of ceramic tiles

Tiles have always been, are and will be the most the best option both in practicality and in price.

We placed it in the middle price category, but as you understand, it can be different: very cheap and incredibly expensive. But in general, people more often choose average prices.

There is no point in talking about the advantages of a ceramic tile backsplash; everyone already knows this. The only downside that can be noted is that not everyone can install it themselves, and this doubles the price of the apron.

Kitchen apron made of finishing bricks

Finishing with real brick became popular at a time when kitchen designs in the “loft” and “grunge” styles came into fashion, suggesting the presence of unplastered walls or other deliberate carelessness of finishing.

A brick apron looks quite nice, but don’t forget that washing it is completely unpleasant! Grease and dirt eat into the structure, are absorbed, and scrubbing it off is long and tedious.

But, if such a prospect does not bother you, why not? As a last resort, when you get tired of washing it, you can cover the wall with tempered glass.

And one more thing: you don’t need to use solid brick for these purposes. A fairly narrow one, which is used specifically for external cladding of houses.

Stainless steel kitchen apron

Stainless steel is still an unusual option in the design of a kitchen work area. But if you have a room interior in modern style, we highly recommend paying attention to it. There are simply a lot of advantages here, but there are no disadvantages.

The cost of such an apron will be quite inexpensive, it looks stylish, caring for it is simply elementary, and there is no question of durability!

Some people are simply embarrassed by such a strict appearance and the “coldness” of the metal. But if you look at the photo in the interior, it becomes clear that a stainless steel apron is appropriate in almost any kitchen, not only in the high-tech style, for example.

The only thing you need to consider when purchasing: do not take sheets that are too thin, they will not hold their shape and an unpleasant rumble may be heard when touched.

Also, don't take too much mirror surfaces, since glare from the sun and lighting will be very annoying.

In addition to smooth sheets, there are also corrugated, matte, and embossed sheets on sale. In general, a good option and affordable, despite the fact that it looks extremely modern and expensive.

Kitchen apron made of acrylic artificial stone

This apron is very similar to a natural stone, its price is very affordable and for those who at all costs want to design a working wall in the form of rock, this will be a good choice.

No photo printing can guarantee such naturalness. But, when deciding on such a purchase, do not forget about the obvious disadvantages of acrylic artificial stone:

• He is very afraid of scratches
• He is afraid of hot things (he won’t melt from a nearby stove, of course, but if a spark hits him, it will leave a mark)
• He is afraid of aggressive chemicals, the use of which leaves whitish spots on him

But, with all this, acrylic stone slabs have one big advantage: they can be restored! True, if you treat the apron carelessly, then you will have to repair and patch it often, and this is not so cheap.

Expensive materials

Mosaic kitchen apron

A great option, but definitely expensive. No problems were found in operation; such aprons last so long that they become boring.

The only disadvantage we can highlight is that wiping greasy drops from thin crevices is not always convenient, therefore, it is advisable not to let the dirt become firmly embedded.

If you are interested in this design, you can read about it in more detail in, which lists all the pros and cons, and also provides many photos of the interior.

Marble kitchen apron

It is not so often that you can find a kitchen where such aprons are present, since this is an elite and very expensive type of covering. If you take a marble mosaic, it will be a little cheaper than a solid slab, but it will be more difficult to care for.

And despite their high cost, marble backsplashes have a big drawback: dirt and grease are absorbed over time and are not very easy to care for.

Otherwise, the coating is unpretentious, is not afraid of scratches, and is not afraid of aggressive chemicals. But in fairness, many other coatings have the same characteristics and are easier to care for.

A marble apron has the right to exist only if you need to emphasize the status of your home.

Kitchen apron made of natural stone

The stone can be anything: from pebbles collected with your own hands on the shore to incredibly expensive onyx slabs.

Here the choice is yours. About the characteristics of any stone, only one thing can be said: it behaves in much the same way as marble, that is, dirt and grease tend to be absorbed.

To avoid some of these problems, you need to choose slabs that have a durable, glossy coating, since any natural stone has a porous structure.

Be sure to ask the seller how the slabs were polished and what additives were used to protect them from moisture.

Kitchen apron made of quartz agglomerate

The material is relatively new on the kitchen apron market, although it has long been successfully used for the manufacture of countertops. Agglomerate - no fake diamond, acrylic type.

This is quartz chips that, through pressing, vibration and the addition of a small percentage of binding resins, have been turned into a monolithic slab.

The stone turns out to be extremely durable, devoid of any porosity and moisture inherent in natural solids.

Caring for it is very simple, the agglomerate is not afraid of any mechanical damage and reacts negatively only to the strongest acids (as they corrode the binding resins). Just a timeless apron that will last you and your grandchildren a lifetime.

It has a lot of colors and this stone looks natural. It is absolutely impossible to distinguish it from natural. A good choice, in a word. We recommend it with confidence!

Glass kitchen apron

Heat-resistant glass is not cheap, but it looks very stylish. With its help, you can bring any fantasy to life and display any image: from a mirror image to your own self-portrait.

As for operation, the material is good and does not cause any complaints in any respect. It is durable and easy to care for.

Unusual DIY aprons

Kitchen apron made of pebbles

If you live by the sea, then this option will be budget-friendly for you, and at the same time extremely original! You just need to drive to the shore and bring pebbles. And then attach it to the wall, covered with a small layer of tile mortar.

What about caring for such a surface, it cannot be called the simplest due to the fact that the surface is not smooth. And one more thing: if you have not secured the pebbles well, they will fall out the moment you rub the apron with a rag.

But this working wall looks just great! Look here please:

Kitchen apron made from fragments

Almost a hippie style option. Naturally, it is very budget-friendly. But there is one “but”: if you have poor taste, then you should not take on such work, as the result will be disastrous and sloppy.

To harmoniously select shards, you need to have an understanding of color and feel the compatibility of textures. But if you succeed, the guests will be delighted, 100%!

The assembly process itself is simple: the fragments are attached to some kind of base, such as cement mortar or gypsum plaster. The latter option is more preferable, since it is light, so bright glasses will look more contrasting and fresh on it.

Kitchen apron made from wine corks

The appearance of this coating is very interesting. But, cork is cork: the material is porous and very soft.

Therefore, if you want such a work wall, you will have to cover it on top with transparent plastic, otherwise, in just a couple of months, the apron will begin to look untidy and it will simply be impossible to wash it.

Kitchen apron with slate paint

Very very interesting solution in terms of design. In addition, a piece of board above the desktop is practical: you can write something down at any time without being distracted from cooking. You can also leave notes for your family if you urgently need to remind them of something!

Making such an apron is very simple: take a smooth piece of plywood, cut a strip of the desired size from it, secure it above the tabletop and paint it with special slate paint in 3-4 layers.

This kind of paint is not cheap, but you can save money: cover the first two layers with regular paint, and then the top ones with slate paint.

Look how cozy and original these aprons look in the interior.

Well, our review has come to an end, and we figured out which apron for the kitchen is better. We wish you a successful completion of the renovation!