Each self-respecting owner of an apartment or house pays special attention to the kitchen space where cooking and serving of food takes place. When creating a practical and beautiful interior design of the kitchen, it is very important to choose the optimal apron, which becomes the protection of the walls from dust, grease, dirt, and complement the overall style of the room. A glass apron is a great choice that surprises with its functional features, as well as its aesthetic appearance. In our article, we will talk about its main properties, all kinds of varieties, as well as the right selection criteria.
Features of the glass apron
Before proceeding with the purchase of this kitchen set, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its main characteristics. Among the main advantages it is worth noting that the glass apron is ideally combined with the following areas: modern, loft, minimalism, hi-tech. Also, future owners will also be pleased with the important fact that the glass is mounted in a fairly short time (from an hour to three). Products without additional seams are able to maintain their original appearance for a long time, because the joint design does not allow dust and dirt to accumulate.
Another important positive feature of such a kitchen apron is the gloss of glass. This is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional: a shiny surface is able to slightly reflect light and thereby visually increase space.
The standard size of a glass apron is considered to be parameters from 40 to 90 cm. Experts in this field are sure that the length of the kitchen panel should be no more than 2.5 m. Individual design projects are considered as exceptions.
Despite the fears of many people that the glass surface cannot be perfectly clean and excess grease, stains or dust are more visible on it, this is completely not so. It’s even easier to care for this product than for aprons made of other materials, because the design of the glass apron eliminates tile joints that can accumulate dirt.
Types of glass apron for the kitchen
The types of this unusual headset can be classified into separate groups that differ in the variety of glass. We will consider the most popular categories of glass aprons that can decorate any room.
Stalinite kitchen apron
An interesting name implies tempered silicate glass, which first undergoes heat treatment, and then - the cooling stage. Due to this, it acquires the highest possible strength (about 10 times higher than the resistance of ordinary glass), as well as the lack of tendency to any deformations that are possible in the kitchen due to the cooking process and temperature extremes. The appearance of the kitchen apron made of stalinite is quite aesthetic. It does not lose its luster for 10-15 years. In addition, the hardened product is resistant to high moisture, as well as to overheating. As for the care, it is quite systematic to use an abrasive brush.
The disadvantages include a higher price (compared to ordinary glass), which is fully justified by good quality.
Plexiglass kitchen apron
Most often, this type of glass is called acrylic. It can be seen under such names as carboglass, acrylite or plexiglass. The obvious advantages of this material include ease of installation (you can even install such an apron on your own), good strength, high environmental friendliness (complete absence of harmful substances even when burning), moisture adaptability, and also a fairly loyal price. The peculiar disadvantages are the possibility of deformation (at temperatures above + 85 °), a simpler appearance (compared with other types of glass), as well as the visibility of scratches on the surface. But with careful use, these disadvantages will not make themselves felt.
Triplex kitchen apron
The selected composition is organic, tempered or silicate glass, which consists of several layers. It is called laminated. Each layer is glued to each other thanks to a special polymer film. Such a solution helps not only to increase the already good strength, but also to give the product an original look, which is considered the hallmark of triplex kitchen aprons.
Polycarbonate kitchen apron
In terms of its functional and practical properties, polycarbonate is very similar to plexiglass, but it is distinguished by its highest resistance to temperatures and mechanical damage, flexibility and lightness. The price is also minimal (compared to Stalinite). Among the minuses is the possibility of scratches.
The appearance of the kitchen apron made of polycarbonate is concise and restrained. Such an option will appeal to connoisseurs of minimalistic trends.
How to choose an apron for a kitchen made of glass
We made a list of simple rules that will help simplify the selection of a glass kitchen apron:
1. Choose a composition based on your thrift. If you are characterized by slight sloppiness, give preference to stalinite, which is not subjected to mechanical and chemical shocks, temperature drops, and deformations. If you are quite accurate and looking for an option at a loyal price - then take a look at plexiglass or polycarbonate.
2. Appearance, and especially the color scheme, should correspond to the general thematic direction of the kitchen. If this room is in a loft design - then you need to choose an apron with imitation wood, if it is Scandinavian motifs - then cold glass in its purest form.
3. Mirror apron can easily expand the space. Visually, even the smallest kitchen will become more spacious and comfortable.
4. Decide on the size. If you want to save extra space and the household members of your house are not too tall, then you can stop at an apron 45 cm high. If the place allows, then choose standard models with a parameter of 60 cm.
5. The apron and countertop should be made of the same or at least identical material. Then the atmosphere of the kitchen will be harmonious.
6. If you want the apron to become not just a practical part of the kitchen, but also a highlight of the room - then turn your eyes to products with a pattern, decorative stickers or photo printing. This approach will help turn the kitchen into a real work of art.
Glass apron for the kitchen - photo
The photo collection we have collected will show you all the practical advantages of a glass apron, and you will also see that this material for a kitchen set is one of the best alternatives to ceramic tiles. Enjoy watching!
Video: Cons and pros of the glass apron