Is a high gloss kitchen right for you?

Whether you prefer a matt or gloss finish is down to personal taste. High gloss kitchens look visually stunning, and this finish is perfect if you love a contemporary minimalist look.

If you’re keen on gloss, don’t be put off by thinking it’s going to be a high maintenance option. There’s not actually much difference between the two styles when it comes to keeping surfaces clean.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of a high gloss kitchen.

How easy is it to keep high gloss clean?

The benefit of gloss is that it’s durable and simple to clean.

High gloss surfaces are easy to wipe down, thanks to their shiny, smooth surface. You can remove most kitchen splashes and stains with some soapy water and a cloth.

Be careful not to use bleach or abrasive cleaners that could damage the gloss finish. Usually, a mild detergent and water are enough to remove marks. On the downside, high gloss finishes can show up smudges and fingerprints more than a matt surface.

Because of the shine on a high gloss worktop, stains and smears are more visible on gloss than on matt. However, they’re not always absorbed into the surface and can be easily removed.

How much light is reflected?

How much light is reflected from high gloss surfaces depends on their position. Eye-level height gloss cabinets will receive and reflect most light coming into the kitchen. Glossy work surfaces will reflect other colours in the room.

High gloss kitchens can create the illusion of a bigger space and make your kitchen appear larger than it is. This makes gloss a popular choice for smaller kitchens, where light is reflected to make the space feel more open.

However, you need to consider the placement of lights in high gloss kitchens carefully. Too much reflection can make lighting levels too harsh. You need to be able to clearly see what you’re doing rather than being overwhelmed by glare.

Alternatively, a matt finish will absorb light and may be a better choice if you have a very bright kitchen.

Gloss colours and finishes

There’s certainly no shortage of choice when it comes to gloss colours and finishes. Gloss is available in both acrylic and lacquer formats, and the vast choice of colours includes metallic designs.

The materials used in the manufacturing processes will determine the ultimate appearance of the gloss surface. And how much light is reflected will depend on the material’s finish.

Gloss is a great choice if you want a handleless kitchen, as there are no handles on cabinets or drawers to create a jarring contrast with the gloss finish. Plus, there are no crevices for dirt to gather. As a result, you have a smooth, even surface to wipe over.

While high gloss makes a big impact, you may prefer the understated qualities of matt. For many, matt offers the character they’re looking for in a kitchen, while high gloss will always be the number one choice for others.

Would you love a brand new high gloss kitchen?

German Kitchen Store provides high-quality German kitchens at trade prices with an easy online ordering system.

The beauty of our ordering system is its simplicity. Choose the range and door style/colour – the process is easy. Carcasses, accessories and appliance package options are clearly displayed, allowing you to build a kitchen that’s designed to your specifications.

Our customer service team is on hand to help with any questions or queries regarding your order and delivery.

Call us on 01525 851 642 or email hello@germankitchenstore.co.uk