To some people, white kitchen sets seem boring and monotonous, as they remind them of hospital or catering furniture. In fact, due to the variety of materials, textures and shades, such a set can look no less expressive than kitchens of the brightest and most saturated colors. White glossy furniture will fit well into a variety of kitchen design styles, both modern and classic.
Advantages and disadvantages of a white glossy set
This type of kitchen arrangement has many advantages:
- Versatility - most manufacturers offer a large selection of kitchen furniture in white. In addition, it is very easy to choose decorative elements and accessories for it. White furniture goes perfectly with different interior styles and finishing materials, so decorating a kitchen with it will not be difficult.
- Excellent color compatibility - white color can be easily combined with all existing shades, without restrictions. White color in a kitchen interior can act as both a primary and an additional color shade.
- Variety of shades - paradoxically, white color consists of a huge number of shades that are ideal for arranging kitchens. The most popular are creamy, milky, creamy, powdery, pearl, zinc tones. When making furniture for kitchens, shades of ivory, eggshell, cotton, baked milk, flax, chalk, lily and many others are often used.
- The beneficial effect is that this color is very well perceived by the human psyche. He is not aggressive or annoying. And even if the white color in the kitchen gets a little boring, you can always diversify the room by adding a few fresh shades to the interior.
- Practicality - white glossy surfaces are ideal for arranging a kitchen, as smudges, fingerprints and splashes of water are practically invisible on them. The owner immediately wipes away any stains that appear on such a surface, so the set always remains clean - while on dark facades the stains are invisible, so dirt gradually accumulates on them.
- Functionality - the use of white color is possible in a wide variety of popular interior styles. This color never goes out of style. A white set with glossy facades will be popular not only today, but also in many years to come.
As for the disadvantages of white glossy surfaces, they are practically non-existent. The only thing every housewife should remember is that such a set will have to be looked after more carefully, constantly keeping it clean.
The choice of materials for furnishing a kitchen with white glossy surfaces
The operation of each item, especially with a glossy white surface, depends, first of all, on the materials from which it is made.
To furnish the kitchen, you can use materials such as plastic - it is not at all afraid of temperature changes and high humidity, but small scratches can quickly form on it, due to which the glossy surface loses its attractiveness.
However, such material is inexpensive, and if necessary, the old plastic surface can be easily replaced with a new one.
Solid wood is an excellent material with high strength, durability and quality. To obtain the desired white wood surface, you should use only expensive paints from leading manufacturers.
Such facades require special care, so you will have to buy special products to keep the surface looking like new for a long time.
Chipboard is one of the most affordable materials, from which white glossy surfaces for kitchen units are also made. It looks very decent, and at the same time it is inexpensive. However, the quality of such material is significantly inferior to solid wood, and its service life is much shorter.
What materials are used for kitchen units?
White glossy headsets can be made from different materials. It is necessary to consider your own capabilities for regular cleaning.
The choice of texture helps create a feeling of coziness
Plastic
Plastic glossy facades are available to the largest range of consumers. They are resistant to temperature and humidity changes. The smallest scratches easily appear on plastic facades. This feature reduces the cost.
- Acrylic plastic is the most durable and environmentally friendly. It is heat-resistant, does not change color over time, and shines better than other coatings. It is impossible to install stained glass or panels in them. Milling is also not performed. Glossy plastic doors will always be even and smooth.
- HPL plastic. This coating is also wear-resistant, its thickness is 0.3 mm, but the shine is not as distinct as that of acrylic facades. This feature allows you to reduce the intensity of the reflection of rays.
Solid wood
To give white, pearl or light cream glossy shades to wood, manufacturers use safe, stable dyes. Kitchen cabinet handles are often made of chromed metal. The wooden surface of white facades may lose its original appearance, so maintenance products are needed to renew it. When choosing wooden kitchen fronts, you need to take into account their moisture resistance. For some, full recovery is impossible after getting wet. They are environmentally friendly, moisture resistant, do not change shape for a long time and are quickly cleaned.
MDF
A practical option is a white glossy MDF kitchen. Its advantages are low cost, design capabilities, ease of maintenance and long-term operation. Just wipe the paint to remove stains. Fungus does not grow in painted MDF.
White glossy facades made of painted MDF
Painted MDF has few disadvantages. Careful use will help avoid damage. MDF is cheaper than natural wood, but looks no worse, thanks to modern processing technologies:
- Varnish coating. Facades with pearlescent special effects, metallic and chameleon are produced. The intensity of the glossy reflection can be selected. Lacquered products are durable and moisture resistant. They are not exposed to temperatures, do not fade in the sun, and absorb fat well. Scratches remain on them after great effort is applied;
MDF facades are used for budget sets
The doors are coated with varnish and enamel, so they can be made to match panels and stained glass
- PVC film with low gloss is the most affordable coating, used in the production of budget glossy kitchen sets. The film is easily scratched and deformed at high temperatures if it is located near the hob.
Stone and marble
A complete kitchen set is rarely made of stone and marble. Since the material is expensive, such a structure weighs a lot and if damaged, professional repairs will be required. Countertops are usually made of cast marble, consisting of stone chips, quartz sand and polyester resin. The advantages of this option are sound insulation, moisture resistance, strength, and maintainability. An alternative inexpensive solution is an artificial stone based on cement or gypsum with the addition of coloring pigments.
Natural artificial stone looks impressive, the countertops are very durable, they do not leave scratches, so they can be used as a cutting board. The service life of artificial stone is about 10 years
Combined materials
Sometimes you can see white glossy sets, where the lower cabinets are made of plastic, and the upper cabinets are made of solid wood or MDF, the countertops and sink are made of marble or artificial stone, and the handles are made of metal. The combination of materials makes such a set cheaper and distinguishes it with originality.
The countertop is made of stone
Glossy ceramics are used for the apron
Selecting a layout
Corner layout - this arrangement solution is perfect for both small and medium-sized kitchens. It is important to correctly install the working triangle so that the housewife can prepare food as conveniently as possible.
In this case, glossy white facades can be both lower and upper - thus, visually the room will look more spacious.
Here you can see 200+ photos of a corner kitchen layout.
Linear layout is a method of interior design in which the entire set is lined up along one wall; most often this layout is chosen by owners of small kitchens. It is also better to make the lower and upper facades of the set completely white, but they should not completely merge with the light walls.
For worktops, it is recommended to use synthetic stone of light gray or beige color.
Here you can see a photo gallery containing 150+ photos of a linear kitchen layout.
A white glossy kitchen with an island layout is a great way to arrange a spacious kitchen in a country mansion. The set in it can be located in any way, but in the middle of the room there is always a so-called “island” with household appliances built into it.
In this case, only the upper facades can be white, and the shade of the lower ones should be chosen in accordance with the overall color scheme of the interior.
We talked in more detail about kitchens with an island in this article.
Fingerprints visible
This is true, but there are three points here.
Firstly, they are visible only up close and, as they say, in the light. That is, you will notice them in close proximity and only from a certain angle. Practice shows that they are best seen in natural light - during the day.
Secondly, they will only appear around handles (or around push points).
You are not going to “paw” the entire set (especially the upper sections)? Yes, it's a different matter if there are children. In this case, the lower section will be covered in prints and other traces of children's amateur activities.
Thirdly, there is a certain dependence on the color of the surface and its texture. The “fingers” are most noticeable on plain colored facades.
But the smallest one has a textured gloss: with an imitation of the texture of wood or stone chips, inclusions of mother-of-pearl or sparkles, patterns or photo printing.
Choosing an interior style
High-tech style - when decorating a kitchen in this style, the use of industrial finishes is encouraged: exposed brickwork, concrete surfaces, metal elements. A white self-leveling floor would look appropriate.
Furniture should have a laconic form, and only the most functional items should be used; excesses are not allowed here. Chrome and glass surfaces, light metal tables and chairs will look harmonious in such an interior.
It is desirable that such a kitchen be large enough. White color will make it even more spacious, fill it with light and radiance. It is best to avoid bright colors in interior design, giving preference to muted natural shades with a metallic sheen.
Art Nouveau style - to create an interior in this style, you need to carefully consider every detail. Very often this design option is chosen if it is necessary to equip a corner kitchen. The furniture set should have smooth lines; it may contain splashes of a variety of colors, but they should not be too bright.
To decorate the walls, you can use textured plaster, expensive wallpaper or gypsum panels. An atmosphere of luxury will be created by some important details: massive vases with white flowers, expensive textiles on the windows, stucco on the ceiling.
Minimalism style - this design is suitable for people who prefer to concentrate on the most important things. Maximum functionality of each interior element, large spaces and a strict color scheme are welcomed.
White color in the decoration of walls, floors and furniture should be combined with strict contrasting colors. An excellent option would be to choose a laconic set with white upper facades and black lower facades.
Preference should be given to shiny, smooth textures that visually increase space and reflect surfaces.
It is best to avoid small decorative elements. The walls can be finished with any materials: plaster, paint, wallpaper - the main thing is that they look monolithic and monochromatic. You can use this option: light gray walls and ceiling, and snow-white laconic furniture.
Here you can see our photo gallery containing 100+ photos of examples of kitchens in the minimalist style.
How to choose the finish of walls, floors, ceilings and aprons
White kitchens are often complemented by colored tiles, curtains, carpets and small but bright decor that will not be visible in another interior, but here can look like a real work of art. It is important to be careful when choosing accessories and kitchen utensils. There shouldn't be too many of them and they should also fit well enough into the design so that the overall look doesn't look pompous.
A high-gloss white kitchen helps to visually expand the space (by reflecting objects on the surface) and give it a luxurious shine. The effect of this can be enhanced by installing glass splashbacks, glossy tiles on floors and walls, chrome lamps, powerful lighting and other sparkling interior elements. Wall decoration should be more relaxed: thin and blurry wallpaper or plaster are perfect. Decorating with wood or stone also looks good. It is advisable to make the ceiling matte, for example, use moisture-resistant plasterboard.
Small glossy white kitchen
Furniture for a small white kitchen should be chosen depending on the style of the interior. For rooms in Provence, classic and modern styles, sets made of natural wood or chipboard are suitable. The color of such furniture can be white, beige, or any pastel shades.
When arranging a small kitchen in a high-tech and minimalist style, you should pay attention to furniture made from modern synthetic materials. An abundance of metal, glossy surfaces and glass is welcome - they help to visually increase the space.
As for household appliances, their choice depends only on the taste preferences of the owner of the kitchen. In any case, it is better to choose comfortable and practical models that fit perfectly into any style.
For modern and Provence interiors, retro-style household appliances are suitable; for other interiors, you can choose modern options in white, light gray, or metallic.
In a classic interior, household appliances can simply be hidden behind furniture facades. The ideal solution for a small kitchen would be built-in appliances.
A white kitchen, even when it is small, looks more spacious and bright, and most often does not require increased lighting. However, you still can’t do without lighting devices. It is recommended to choose them in accordance with the interior style.
For example, in a classic-style kitchen, a chandelier in the form of a candelabra with light bulbs stylized as candles will look great. It should be located in the very center of the room, above the kitchen table.
For a Provence-style kitchen, you can choose a lampshade made of fabric in warm shades, or white ceramic lamps.
A modern style kitchen will be decorated with a luxurious glass lamp with pendants, and for kitchens with high-tech and minimalist interiors, you should choose ultra-modern lamp models - they can be either very simple and laconic, or have a complex geometric shape.
It is important to remember - the more light and white glossy surfaces in the room, the more spacious it looks.
The combination of shine and color - mutual influence
The shimmer enhances the color intensity, especially the chameleon effect. Dark green, burgundy, blue, violet and garnet will appear darker and even aggressive. The shadows on the facades look particularly deep and close to black. This option will look great in a kitchen with windows facing south or west. But a room with windows facing north will seem dark. Another mandatory requirement is good lighting, otherwise the metallic or chameleon effect will be visible only during the day. The photo below shows a chameleon effect in a purple kitchen.
Metallic shine drowns out dull shades - light lilac, pale violet or pink. In this case, gloss or mother-of-pearl is much more suitable. Light shades, including champagne and silver, which are by definition shimmery, work well in northern kitchens. Pearlescent shine and even gloss compensates for the coldness of the tone. So the need to complement the facades with some warm color is no longer so relevant.
The general property of metallic color is that its shades do not combine well with each other.
Rules for caring for a glossy white kitchen
To make caring for a glossy white kitchen simple and easy, it is recommended to choose materials that are easy to clean. When decorating walls, it is best to use plaster, tiles, and if wallpaper is washable.
To preserve the snow-white interior for a long time, you should do express cleaning daily: wipe all glossy surfaces with damp wipes, and immediately remove any stains that appear on them.
Owners of white glossy kitchens may face one danger - it can turn yellow over time. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to protect the room from direct sunlight using curtains or blinds.
If yellowness does appear, a solution of warm water (2 cups), vinegar (1 cup) and soda (1 tablespoon) will help remove it.
White glossy surfaces should also be protected from grease; to do this, be sure to turn on the hood when cooking. Regular water and dishwashing liquid will help keep your kitchen perfectly clean.
White surfaces should be wiped with a soft cloth, avoiding hard sponges that can leave scratches. A special paste made from baking soda and vinegar will help to thoroughly clean ceramic tiles and tile joints.
