Gloss or matt: which kitchen style is right for you?

Whether you’re simply upgrading your cabinets or remodelling your whole kitchen, there is an important question that you need to consider: matt or gloss? Some people immediately know which of the two that they prefer but for others it’s not quite so obvious.

Both could be perfect as the beautiful heart of your home and much of the decision will depend on you and your personal preferences. So, let’s have a look at whether a gloss kitchen or a matt kitchen could be right for your home.

Gloss kitchens

If you are looking for sophisticated beauty, gloss surfaces offer a lustrous finish for your kitchen. Ideal in contemporary and modern designs, gloss has been exceptionally popular since the 1970s. While they can be tricky to get right, a well-designed gloss kitchen can be truly spectacular. The champagne metallic finish below creates a truly stylish and modern aesthetic.

More light

If you are looking to maximise space, a gloss kitchen could be perfect. The shiny surface reflects light into and across the room which creates the illusion of more space and makes the room feel larger. This is especially true when you work with lighter colours such as white or cream – but these aren’t your only options.

Blends with other colours

While gloss works in a smaller number of colours, it can still be perfect if you would like your kitchen in black. You still get plenty of light reflected from darker colours so even if you prefer your kitchen in a darker finish, you can still benefit from reflections. The amazing black gloss kitchen below retains the depth and spacious feel you would associate with gloss.

But, be careful combining a range of colours with gloss. The nature of surface is to reflect the colours around it, but if you have used contrasting colours in your design this can lead to a mesh of clashing colours.

Easy to clean

While it’s true that imperfections and finger marks can show up on gloss surfaces quite easily, they do have the advantages of being very easy to clean. It should also be noted that when you opt for high quality gloss finishes these imperfections are much less noticeable and it doesn’t need to factor into your thinking too much. Still not convinced? Consider the prospect of handleless…

Is handleless best for gloss kitchens?

Some people are put off the idea of buying a gloss kitchens because of the fact that finger marks can show up prominently. If you have your heart set on high gloss but can’t stand the idea of having to constantly wipe off the marks to maintain the look, there is an option that might appeal. Kitchen cupboards and cabinets with handles can attract dirt and smudges easily, simply because people will be touching them. And the fact that this all accumulates in the most awkward place – around the handles – it can make cleaning a pain.

If you choose a handleless kitchen you’ll be touching the actual surface a lot less because you open it from the curved edge. They can also be nudged shut with means fingers don’t have as much opportunity to leave marks! The stunning handleless kitchen in gloss below shows exactly what could be achieved in your home.

Understanding the different gloss materials

A stunning high gloss finish can be achieved with a number of different materials, so you can get whatever you are looking for. With kitchens available in gloss laminate, gloss glass and gloss acrylic, you have a lot to choose from.

Matt kitchens

Unlike what we have seen from gloss, matt kitchens do not reflect light. This means that they have a stylish, flat look that can be ideal in anything from traditional designs to country-style properties. However, the simplicity of the matt finish also lends itself to a more contemporary style. Matt tends to have a more consistent and slightly warmer feel than gloss.

Elegant and luxurious

Matt kitchens have an understated and elegant appearance. This can make it perfect for a beautiful minimalist kitchen as shown in the breath-taking example below.

The colour looks solid from all angles which means you kitchen always has a smooth look, no matter the time of day. With some gloss kitchens, different lighting can dramatically change the look while matt kitchens will retain their style in almost any scenario.

Smooth or textured?

If you do decide on buying a matt kitchen, you will face a follow-up decision relating to the kinds of material that you will use. This often comes down to whether you are looking for a smooth finish or a textured finish. Textured surfaces can look absolutely stunning in any kitchen, but it’s worth noting that these can be more prone to picking up dirt and dust, so may require cleaning more often. There is no right or wrong answer – just whatever is best for your home and the way that you live.

Broader variety of colours

Due to the nature of matt surfaces, they are available in a broader variety of colours than gloss kitchens. This makes it easier for you to mix two colours together and can very beneficial if you have a very specific colour palette in mind. It’s also true that matt tends to blend very well with other materials and surfaces.

Some homeowners who initially prefer the idea of gloss, find out that they can get exactly what they are looking for with matt, rather than having to compromise. In general, matt finishes work with a wider range of properties, and may be more naturally suited to the aesthetic of your home. In the example below, the dark matt surfaces sit perfectly alongside the wooden cabinets and worktop.

Hides imperfections

Like gloss surfaces, matt kitchens are easy to clean but they do come with the added benefit that they are much better hiding imperfections. Aside from being highly scratch resistant, it is also far less noticeable when there are fingerprint marks or smudges left on the surface. This could be perfect if you are a family with children. This also means that you may get more life out of your kitchen as the surface may remain in excellent condition for a long time. Of course, by working with high quality and reputable suppliers, gloss kitchens can also be very long lasting – so it’s important to factor in the quality of the kitchen into your decision.

Does the Finish of Kitchen Cabinets Impact the Functionality of the Kitchen?

The finish of kitchen cabinets does impact the functionality of the kitchen. A high-quality finish can protect the cabinets from moisture and stains, making them easier to clean and maintain. It can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen, adding value to the overall space. Free a painted sash window of your kitchen from clutter and choose the right finish for your cabinets.

Best combined with other features

Whereas gloss cabinets and surfaces draw the attention and are visually striking on their own, matt surfaces have a naturally muted appearance. That’s not to say that matt kitchens are boring, but rather than they work perfectly as a stunning backdrop, complementing bolder feature pieces in your kitchen.

When you consider this alongside the fact that matt is available in a huge range of colours and materials, it shows that these kinds of kitchens could be seen as more versatile. This could lend itself to choosing a combination of different colours to allow the kitchen to stand out – for example you could opt for a more dramatic backsplash to sit next to the matt finish, as in the stunning kitchen below.