The modern market provides us with so many different ways of finishing furniture that it is easy to match cabinet fronts to the other elements of the kitchen equipment. Depending on the style in which you have arranged your kitchen decor, you can choose kitchen fronts made from many different materials, in many colour options, finished in matte or glossy versions. Find out which of them will be a better choice for you – acrylic or lacquered fronts?
What will you learn from this article?
- What are the characteristics of laminate fronts?
- When is it worth choosing lacquered fronts?
- What distinguishes acrylic fronts?
Modern furniture fronts
In the past, furniture fronts, like the furniture itself, were made of solid wood or chipboard, which somewhat limited the colour spectrum. Most often, furniture fronts were simply lacquered in colours close to natural wood shades. Nowadays, thanks to technological development, we have a much greater choice of kitchen fronts, among which the most popular should be mentioned:
- lacquered fronts,
- acrylic fronts,
- laminate fronts,
- veneered fronts,
- foiled fronts,
- wooden fronts.
In addition, there is a matte or high-gloss finish, smooth fronts or those imitating the natural texture of wood. When choosing furniture fronts, it is easy to notice that each of the listed types of kitchen fronts can be available in several or even a dozen colour choices.
Laminate fronts – an excellent choice for your kitchen
Laminated furniture fronts are one of the excellent alternatives to fronts made of wood. This is a solution primarily advocated for financial reasons. These types of fronts are made from MDF boards or three-layer chipboard, finished with furniture veneer. They are relatively durable and resistant to mechanical damage, especially scratches, which greatly protect the furniture from moisture and minimize the risk of the laminate peeling off.
Laminated kitchen fronts are available in a wide range of colours and structures. Fronts made of polymer laminate are not only durable but also very easy to keep clean. The only downside is that if the laminate does get damaged, it cannot be repaired and is only suitable for replacement.
Lacquered fronts – glossy or matte
Furniture with lacquered surfaces has been enjoying unfaltering popularity for years, both in kitchen furniture fronts and furniture used in other rooms. Lacquered furniture fronts can be easily matched to other elements of the kitchen equipment, as well as to the colour of the floors, doors, or windows. The choice of colours for lacquered fronts is really very large, and one can also opt for clear lacquers that preserve the natural texture of the wood.
Lacquer effectively protects the furniture from moisture, and the smooth surface makes it easy to clean. Depending on preferences, it can have a matte finish or be glossy. The effect of sun rays can slightly alter the colour of lacquered fronts. Their durability and scratch resistance largely depend on the type of lacquer used and the number of layers applied.
Acrylic kitchen fronts – a modern solution for your kitchen
Among many modern solutions for decorating kitchen fronts, furniture finished with acrylic laminate also deserves attention. They are made from:
- Furniture board.
- Sometimes thin natural wood veneer.
- Occasionally from MDF board with a few millimetres of an acrylic overlay glued to it.
This way of finishing kitchen cabinets is decidedly more durable than with lacquered furniture, does not change colour under the influence of light, and allows achieving a deeper colour. The drawback is the smaller amount of available colours and the fact that the edges of the fronts are not covered with acrylic but with PVC foil, which can detach and spoil the appearance of the kitchen furniture.
Choose matching fronts for your kitchen furniture
When taking care of the aesthetics of kitchen cabinetry, it's worth considering not only the furniture itself but also the types of kitchen fronts. By choosing furniture covered with a uniform colour, you can be sure that the cabinets will look very stylish, and the wide selection of front colours makes it incredibly easy to finish the kitchen in a minimalist style or create an interior with any other character. If you're looking for unique solutions, see the exceptional furniture fronts made of laminated glass – these will give your kitchen extraordinary character. Also, check out other articles from our blog, from which you will learn, among other things, what to install instead of tiles on the wall above the sink.
Summary
The choice of the right kitchen fronts is crucial both in terms of aesthetics and durability of the furniture. Among the available options, laminate and lacquered fronts are popular, but more and more people are also considering kitchen furniture – acrylic or lacquer?
Lacquered fronts stand out with an elegant appearance, a wide colour palette, and the possibility of achieving both a matte and high-gloss finish. Their production process involves applying multiple layers of lacquer, ensuring colour depth and an aesthetic finish. However, they are susceptible to scratches, which can impact their durability.
Meanwhile, acrylic fronts are characterized by exceptional resistance to mechanical damage and UV radiation. The acrylic surface is smooth and easy to clean, keeping the kitchen looking good for a long time. Matte acrylic fronts – user reviews indicate that their advantage is also the reduced visibility of fingerprints compared to high-gloss lacquered fronts.
Many users on industry discussion platforms compare acrylic and lacquered fronts – forums are filled with both positive and negative opinions on both solutions. Proponents of acrylic emphasize its durability and ease of maintenance, while fans of lacquer appreciate its unique visual effect.