Metal Tile Apron: 30 Ideas (Kitchen Design)

If you decide to use a metal tile as a kitchen apron, you should be prepared for the fact that your head will go dizzy from a variety of materials. After all, the market offers not only all kinds of shapes (panel, tile, mosaic), styles (hi-tech, loft), but also surfaces (3D effect, gloss, mat, gold-plated). Metal tiles have a large number of advantages - read more in our article.

Modern technologies make it possible to use for interior decoration a variety of materials. In the kitchen, metal tiles are in no less demand than wood panels in the hallway. At the same time, such an apron is distinguished by its practical use and non-standard design. With the latter, the variety of shapes and design options for metal tiles helps a lot.

In the manufacture of metal tiles used in decoration apron kitchen, the following materials are used:

• aluminum;
• copper;
• tin;
• stainless steel.

Despite the apparent fragility of aluminum, it has all the necessary practical characteristics. In particular, it is well protected from the aggressive effects of moisture, fat, and other substances often found in the kitchen. The plasticity and flexibility of the metal make it possible to create samples of different shapes (including those with curved lines). The appearance of aluminum is also attractive.

Copper aprons more often thanit is found in art deco kitchens. The metal is easy to clean. Cleaning the panels is not a problem. A significant disadvantage of copper cladding is its tendency to oxidation and loss of gloss over time. To prevent this from happening, choose models with a protective coating, and also carefully select protective equipment.

Stainless steel looks trite only at first glance. In fact, metal is distinguished by a variety of shades, the combination of which can make the interior more attractive. Moreover, they are characterized by high thermal stability.

The classic interior of the kitchen is most often successfully combined with the cladding made of tin. Unlike previous metals, it is rarely smooth. A chased or embossed surface looks much more original and beautiful. As a rule, the dimensions of such a tile do not exceed 15x15 cm.

If the interior of the kitchen with a purely metal backsplash seems too austere and cold, it can always be diluted with other materials. It is best to use a combination of different types of metals, wood, stone, glass for these purposes. They can be included both in the design of the apron (for example, protective glass in the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe hob or brickwork in the decoration of the walls), and in the objects of the environment (furniture, appliances, other elements decor).

The metal cladding is supplied in 3 basic versions: solid sheets, panels, mosaic. Each of the options has its own specifics stacking and the originality of the design.

Solid sheet

Protecting a kitchen apron with a single piece of kitchen sheet is the easiest to do. There is a savings in fastening materials and grouting mixtures. In addition, the cost of the material is reduced as the total amount of cuts is reduced. At the same time, there are models on which a delicate engraving was made, imitating individual tiles, as in classical laying.

Tile

Metal cut into identical samples is found in different sizes and shapes. Installation should be done carefully, as they should be located as close to each other as possible. At the same time, the use of a standard trowel for grouting is not allowed - it damages the metal surface.

Mosaic

The widest scope for imagination is given by the choice of metal tiles in the form of a mosaic. In addition to the classic small squares, there are round, rectangular, triangular patterns, as well as models with local contours. The cost of such cladding increases due to the peculiarities of processing and cutting. Most often, metal mosaic is used in small kitchens or as a decoration for a separate area.

The variety of metal cladding is determined not only by the difference in shape, but also by the surface design.

3D effect

Modern technologies make it possible to create a coating on a metal surface with 3D effect. At the same time, manufacturers make individual samples in such a way that the pattern is joined. As a result, the effect of a single canvas is created.

Matt

The non-smooth surface of matte tiles is most appropriate in spacious kitchens with high ceilings. A beautiful pattern on the surface can brighten up a discreet appearance. Embossed images are especially appropriate.

Glossy

Glossy models of metal cladding are stably used when decorating a room. They visually increase even the smallest rooms, adding light and brightness to them. The surface looks great with or without a pattern.

Mirrored

An apron with a surface that imitates a mirror looks especially impressive. This tile belongs to the luxury class category. However, it has one significant drawback - the slightest scratches and dirt immediately become noticeable.

With gradient effect

You can create a smooth transition of the color of the apron yourself by picking up samples of similar shades and placing them in a certain way. Alternatively, you can immediately purchase panels covered with a special iridescent glaze. They are especially effective in rooms where there is a lot of sunlight.

Different surface shapes

If we move away from the color scheme, an original apron for the kitchen can be created using an unusual tile shape. Mosaic works best. With its help, you can create an imitation on the wall sea ​​wave, fish scales, etc. There are also many models in the form of squares and rhombuses with embossing and embossed ornaments. They soften the cold severity of metal and are suitable for both classic and modern style.

With decorated inserts

Several manufacturers offer veneering specimens made of ceramic with metal inserts. The latter are created thanks to modern PVD technology - the deposition of a thin layer of metal microparticles on the surface.

In a different style

Quantity styles, in which you can create a kitchen, a huge number. But not for everyone is a material like metal.

• Classic style most often represented by squares with floral patterns. Other types of patterns made by chasing or engraving are also possible. Typically, light metal is used for this style.
• Art Deco - tile designs are chosen using unusual shapes and surface designs. For example, rhombic geometry with a mirror effect is appropriate.
• Country style. For styles Country and Provence bright patterns and fanciful ornaments will not work. Small squares made of brass with an artificially aged surface of warm shades will look more appropriate here.
• Loft style characterized by rudeness and brutality. This is where sheets of metal come in handy as an apron design. At the same time, copper is used much less frequently than stainless steel and brass.
• For a kitchen made in a state-of-the-art high-tech style, it is better to choose models with a mirror or glossy surface. The combination of cold shine of metal and sharp lines looks good.
• and etc.

Sprayed

Gold or silver plating of tiles will make the surface of the apron more interesting and original. Moreover, you can additionally age the gold artificially. Thanks to the use of special spraying technologies, in addition to the spectacular appearance, the material acquires additional protection against corrosion.

Combined

When laying an apron, you can not be limited to tiles of one type, but combine several different ones. For example, make a pattern from glossy and matte surfaces. In this case, the interior will sparkle with new colors. A wall with a combination of mirror and matte tiles also looks unusual. You can also try composing models of different shapes and colors.

The advantages of metal tiles include:

• durability - with proper care, metal tiles serve only slightly less than stone;
• hygiene - any dirt on the metal remains on the surface, without creating conditions for the reproduction and spread of bacteria;
• fire safety - the melting temperature of the metal is very high (it cannot be reached at home), and its flammability is zero, due to which the occurrence or spread of fire is impossible;
• low coefficient of thermal expansion - the tile does not lose its shape during temperature changes;
• mechanical stability - in contrast to ceramic models, the metal tile does not break, weakly lends itself to blows and bending.

The main disadvantage of metal tiles is that when in contact with abrasive particles, the metal quickly loses its attractiveness, becomes covered with scratches and abrasions.

Any surface needs proper and systematic care. Metal tiles have their own characteristics, which should be taken into account when using them.

• Eliminate those containing abrasive particles from cleaning agents.
• Do not use hard sponges or wire brushes.
• Wash the surface of the apron with a liquid for ceramics or windows.
• Treat glossy tiles with a damp or dry soft cloth daily.
• For polishing, add olive oil or vinegar to the solution.
• Do not spill tomato and lemon juice on the metal, as they will corrode the metal.

When purchasing metal tiles to decorate a kitchen backsplash, it is important that it blends in with the rest of the decor. Then it will be possible to create a spectacular interior that will remain in the memory of guests for a long time. In this case, the performance of the apron will not be reduced. Metal tiles for the manufacture of an apron will be the best choice for those who wish to embody originality and practicality in the interior in their kitchen.