Gloss or Matt Kitchens: How to Decide Which Is Best for You and Your Home
Apr 01, 2019
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For some homeowners, choosing between high gloss and matt kitchens is easy. Most people have an immediate preference for one over the other.
But for many of us, it's not that simple.
High gloss kitchens were a staple in homes for years. Recently, however, the market has shifted toward the more subdued, dramatic matt finish. This is partly because more manufacturers have made matt accessible to a wider range of homeowners-not just in high-end homes.
Both finishes work beautifully in any kitchen style, from traditional to contemporary to minimalist. Both are timeless, durable, and easy to clean. So how do you choose?
This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and practical considerations for each-so you can decide with confidence.
Quick Comparison: Gloss vs. Matt at a Glance
| Factor | High Gloss | Matt |
| Appearance | Shiny, reflective | Smooth, subdued, sophisticated |
| Makes room feel | Larger and brighter | Cosy and intimate |
| Fingerprints | More visible | Less visible |
| Scratches | More visible | Less visible |
| Colour consistency | Varies with light | Consistent from any angle |
| Best for | Small kitchens, darker spaces | Large kitchens, low-light areas |
| Cleaning | Easy (non-abrasive cloth + water) | Easy (but needs gentler care) |
Both finish types work great in any kitchen style, from the traditional to the contemporary to the minimalist. Timeless in appearance, they both form the basis of visually stunning designs. They're highly durable and easy to clean.
So how do you choose between these two finishes?
HIGH GLOSS KITCHENS
To make the most out of your investment, opt for high-quality gloss. Remember that the colours of the gloss on your kitchen would slight vary depending on the reflected light.
For example, units at eye level receive and reflect most ofGloss Kitchen Cabinet the light entering the space. Additionally, this glossy surface also could reflect the other visible colours in the room.
Easy to clean. One of gloss' many advantages is that it's easy to clean thanks to its shiny surface. All you need is a non-abrasive cloth and some water for those common everyday kitchen stains and smudges. But be very careful not to damage the finish.
Makes the room appear larger and more open. Gloss was made popular by small kitchen spaces. Because light is reflected into the space, the kitchen would appear larger and brighter. Additionally, the lighter the colour of the gloss finish, the brighter the room would be.
The Drawback
Although not necessarily major, some homeowners tend to avoid gloss because can make fingerprints and other imperfections more visible on the surface.
Colour Choices
High gloss is available in a wide array of colours, from white to grey to darker tones, making it easy for you to match your existing wall colour with any available gloss colour.
MATT KITCHENS
Similar to gloss, the quality of the finish is one of the significant requirements for successfully achieving a beautiful matt finish. With high-quality materials, a matt finish can result in the most dramatic looks possible, a kitchen with character and elegance.
The lack of shine doesn't mean matt is inferior to gloss. On its own, it has certain qualities that interior designers and architects consider noteworthy.
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| ( Popular Matte Lacquered Color ) | |||
An even colour. Since matt isn't dependent on light in maintaining its definitive hue, it features a solid colour, even on all sides. In other words, regardless of which angle you view it or if there's low lighting, there is colour consistency.
Hides imperfections. Because of the lack of reflected light, fingerprints, smudges and stains and other imperfections are not as visible compared with gloss. Note that this doesn't mean stains or fingerprints are not there. They are there! Not only as clear.
Matt finish is also scratch-resistant and durable.
The Drawback
Because light will not be reflected into the room, but rather absorbed, you might want to reconsider matt for small kitchen spaces. However, you can still utilise white hues since this still contribute to the space appearing light.
Grey tones are the next popular colour contemporary kitchens with limited spaces.
Colour Choices
Just like gloss, matt is also offered in a wide range of colours, materials and prices. It also works well in combination with other textures and even high gloss.
The Verdict: Which Is Right for You?
So which is better-matt or high gloss?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. But here are a few practical questions to help you decide:
- How big is your kitchen? If it's small, gloss can make it feel larger. If it's spacious, matt can add warmth and sophistication.
- How much do you mind cleaning? If fingerprints bother you, matt is more forgiving. If you don't mind wiping down surfaces regularly, gloss offers a stunning, reflective finish.
- What's your style? Gloss feels modern, bold, and energetic. Matt feels understated, elegant, and timeless.
It's not about what's "best" in general-it's about what's right for you.










