gloss or matt? This is the eternal dilemma, the question that everyone must answer when choosing the furniture for their future kitchen. This choice will influence everything else, which is why it is important to weigh it up calmly and not get carried away by external comments such as "a matt kitchen is very boring" or "you will get tired sooner if it is glossy".
One factor that can help us tip the balance in one direction or the other is to read up on the season's trends. There is bound to be an infinite range of possibilities either way, but if interior designers and decorators feel that one trend will be more prevalent this year, such as glossy or matte white kitchens, then it's a good idea to read up on the season's trends white gloss or matt kitchensthe offer will expand in a striking way and will incorporate novelties that will be well worth studying.
Main differences between gloss and matt finishes
To begin with, gloss or matt are two different types of finish which, in themselves, have a number of inherent characteristics. The main difference between the two is the amount of light they are capable of reflecting: high levels in the case of gloss and low levels in the case of matt.
Therefore, gloss kitchens are brighter and more vibrant, offer greater visual spaciousness and create a more eye-catching effect. In short, they are more contemporary and modern. While those with a matt finish reflect elegance and minimalism. They are more sober and create a cosy and warm atmosphere, as well as offering a more uniform appearance.
Advantages of a glossy finish
If we opt for a gloss finish, it is important to be aware of its functional benefits:
- Feeling of spaciousness: as we have already mentioned, by reflecting more light, whether natural or artificial, the space will appear wider and more open, making this type of finish a good choice for small kitchens or kitchens with little lighting.
- Versatility: shiny and smooth surfaces are more avant-garde and combine perfectly with materials such as stainless steel, glass and marble, as well as with appliances in metallic or black tones. In addition, the gloss can be combined with a wide range of colours and textures, creating interesting contrasts, inviting you to experiment and personalise your kitchen to the maximum.
- Easy cleaning and maintenance: with a damp cloth it is easy to remove stains on glossy surfaces, as they are smooth and prevent dirt from adhering strongly. The downside is that fingerprints and splashes are more noticeable, requiring regular cleaning.
Benefits of a matt finish
does your kitchen suit the matt style? Let's take a look at the advantages of this type of finish.
- Minimalist: matt kitchens have a discreet appearance, creating a natural ambience. These spaces give a sense of uniformity, combining well with elements such as wood (floor), stone (worktop) or neutral tones, which is why they are ideal for rustic or classic environments.
- Fewer fingerprints and a pleasant surface: the matt finish hides fingerprints and stains better and hides everyday wear and tear. The surface also tends to be softer and velvety to the touch, giving a warmer feel when interacting with doors, drawers and worktops.
- Versatility in style: kitchens with matt finishes are easily adaptable to a wide variety of decorating styles. For example, with a quartz or marble worktop, matt gives a clean look; while when combined with metallic accents, it offers a contemporary look.
Factors to consider when choosing gloss or matt
So, when it comes to making the final decision, we can divide the key aesthetic and functional aspects that come into play into different points.
Style of your home
The finish of your kitchen should be in line with the general decoration of your home: it would not be advisable to choose a gloss kitchen for a classic and sober home, or matt for a modern and avant-garde home.
Lighting and space in the kitchen
Regarding size and natural lighting, as we have highlighted above, matt finishes are more suitable for large, well-lit kitchens, while gloss plays a key role in giving a feeling of spaciousness to small kitchens or kitchens that rely heavily on artificial lighting.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
If you are looking for a finish that allows dirt to be removed in one easy step, gloss is the most suitable option, as the porous surface of matt means that residues can sometimes stick to the surface, making it more difficult to remove them.
However, matt is better at concealing fingerprints and grease residues, which are more noticeable in gloss finishes.
Our gloss and matt kitchens
If we ask again the initial question of this post, our kitchen in gloss or matt, after analysing its characteristics and advantages and bearing in mind how it is or how we want our ideal kitchen to be, in our mind there is surely already an answer that prevails.
If we still have doubts, you can always visit us at OB Cocinas, where our expert team will help you decide and show you a wide range of designs and styles.