For some homeowners, choosing between high gloss and matt kitchens is an easy decision. Most often, people have an immediate preference for the qualities and the look of one over the other.
However, this isn’t the case for many of us. Take for example your inclination based solely on the looks of both finishes. So which would you pick, high gloss or matt? How would you determine which one works best for your kitchen?
High gloss kitchens were a staple in many homes for years. However, the market has shifted in favour of the more dramatic and subdued matt finish. This is attributed to the growing number of manufacturers that have made matt accessible to a wide range of homeowners, not just in high-end homes.
Both finish types work great in any kitchen style, from the traditional to the contemporary to the minimalist. Timeless in appearance, they both form the basis of visually stunning designs. They’re highly durable and easy to clean.
So how do you choose between these two finishes?
High Gloss Kitchens
To make the most out of your investment, opt for high-quality gloss. Remember that the colours of the gloss on your kitchen would slight vary depending on the reflected light.
For example, units at eye level receive and reflect most of the light entering the space. Additionally, this glossy surface also could reflect the other visible colours in the room.
So, when deciding which coloured gloss to go for, it is recommended to stick to one colour palette. In the event that you are stuck with which colour to use, seek the advice of experienced interior decorators in order to achieve the effect you are going for.
By doing so, you’ll be able to fully achieve and appreciate the stunning beauty of a high gloss finish.
Easy to clean. One of gloss’ many advantages is that it’s easy to clean thanks to its shiny surface. All you need is a non-abrasive cloth and some water for those common everyday kitchen stains and smudges.
However, for tougher stains, avoid the use of bleach as this could damage the glossy surface. Simply use lukewarm water and mild detergent and some elbow grease, but be very careful not to damage the finish.
Makes the room appear larger and more open. Gloss was made popular by small kitchen spaces. Because light is reflected into the space, the kitchen would appear larger and brighter. Additionally, the lighter the colour of the gloss finish, the brighter the room would be.
There’s no need anymore to tear down walls and have an extension built, saving you money in the long run.
The Drawback
Although not necessarily major, some homeowners tend to avoid gloss because can make fingerprints and other imperfections more visible on the surface. If you’re not so keen on cleaning every now and then, use gloss on higher cabinet doors, out of reach of greasy hands.
Colour Choices
High gloss is available in a wide array of colours, from white to grey to darker tones, making it easy for you to match your existing wall colour with any available gloss colour.
This finish is also available in different materials and of course prices, from gloss acrylic, gloss laminate, gloss glass to gloss lacquer. Remember that these materials have different manufacturing processes, to create varying surface looks.
How much will be light reflected depends on the material’s finish. It also depends on how it was made.
That’s why you should think about how “glossy” you want your kitchen to look.
Matt Kitchens
Similar to gloss, the quality of the finish is one of the significant requirements for successfully achieving a beautiful matt finish. With high-quality materials, a matt finish can result in the most dramatic looks possible, a kitchen with character and elegance.
As its name suggests, matt absorbs the light, rather than reflect it in the surface. This results in a more muted look. Some perceive this a dull or boring, while others consider this as an understated elegance.
The lack of shine doesn’t mean matt is inferior to gloss. On its own, it has certain qualities that interior designers and architects consider noteworthy.
An even colour. Since matt isn’t dependent on light in maintaining its definitive hue, it features a solid colour, even on all sides. In other words, regardless of which angle you view it or if there’s low lighting, there is colour consistency.
Hides imperfections. Because of the lack of reflected light, fingerprints, smudges and stains and other imperfections are not as visible compared with gloss. Note that this doesn’t mean stains or fingerprints are not there. They are there! Not only as clear.
Matt finish is also scratch-resistant and durable.
The Drawback
Because light will not be reflected into the room, but rather absorbed, you might want to reconsider matt for small kitchen spaces. However, you can still utilise white hues since this still contribute to the space appearing light.
Grey tones are the next popular colour contemporary kitchens with limited spaces.
Colour Choices
Just like gloss, matt is also offered in a wide range of colours, materials and prices. It also works well in combination with other textures and even high gloss.
The Verdict
So which is better—matt kitchens or high gloss kitchens?
Ultimately, and many have pointed this out, it all boils down to personal preference. But take into consideration your kitchen size and if cleaning is a bother to you.
It isn’t about what’s best for you, but what is practically right for you.