Matt vs Gloss Kitchen: Which One is Best For You?

Redesigning your matt or gloss kitchen involves many considerations. What colour scheme will suit your space best? Which worktop material compliments your design? And crucially, what finish should you choose—matt, gloss, or perhaps a stylish combination of both? Whether you prefer the subtlety of matte or the shine of gloss, selecting the right finish is key to achieving your dream kitchen.

The latter is a question that nearly everyone faces when designing a kitchen, as deciding between these finishes can be challenging. When opting for matt, it’s essential to consider your personal taste, lifestyle requirements, and how the finish will complement the rest of your kitchen. Both matt and gloss finishes offer their own unique advantages and pair well with a variety of other materials, colours, and styles. However, selecting the perfect finish for your kitchen isn’t always straightforward, so we’re here to assist. Today, we’ll explore matt and / or gloss and share the best ways to incorporate both finishes into your space, guided by Roccia’s award-winning kitchen design experts.

Deciding on a matt or gloss kitchen is an important step that can significantly influence the overall look, feel, and functionality of your kitchen design.

Introduction to Kitchen Finishes

When planning your dream kitchen, one of the most important choices you’ll make is selecting the right finish for your cabinets and doors. The finish you choose not only affects the overall appearance of your kitchen but also influences how it feels and functions day to day. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek shine of gloss or the subtle sophistication of matt, understanding the differences between these finishes is key to achieving the look and practicality you desire. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential characteristics of matt kitchens and gloss finishes, helping you find the right finish for your kitchen cabinets, doors, and overall design vision.

Kitchen Finish Options

There’s an extensive range of kitchen finish options available, each offering its own unique style and atmosphere. Gloss kitchens are known for their highly reflective surface, which can instantly brighten a room and create a sense of spaciousness. This shiny finish is perfect for those who want a modern, eye-catching kitchen style. In contrast, matt kitchens absorb light and feature a smooth, non-reflective surface that results in an understated appearance that feels calm and sophisticated. The choice between high gloss and matt often comes down to personal preference, the amount of light in your room, and the overall style you want to achieve. By understanding how each finish interacts with light and space, you can select the option that best compliments your kitchen’s design and your own sense of style.

Matt: Where Did the Kitchen Trend Begin, and How Has it Evolved?

The trend of matte kitchen finishes began in the early 2000s, as designers and homeowners sought alternatives to traditional surface finishes. Today, matt kitchen doors and matt kitchen units are especially popular for their sophisticated, understated appeal and versatility in modern kitchen design. Initially, matt finishes were primarily applied to kitchen cabinetry, but their use has since expanded to include countertops, backsplashes, and even appliances.

The trend has evolved in several ways over the years, for example, by incorporating new materials. Recently, innovative materials such as matt porcelain, marble effect tiles, concrete, and even leather have been introduced as alternatives to traditional matt kitchen finishes.

More specifically, matt porcelain tiles are a recent design trend that has taken the world of kitchen design by storm. They come in a variety of colours and offer a subtle way to introduce this design trend into your kitchen. Matt kitchens absorb light, resulting in a muted, non-reflective appearance that enhances the calm, modern atmosphere of the space.

Why Choose Matt Kitchens?

Matt kitchens come with a great list of advantages, for example:

• Anti-glare aesthetics as they don’t reflect light.
• Low maintenance and doesn’t show fingerprints and smudges.
• Offers a timeless kitchen look and is easy to blend into many different styles as trends change.
• Scratch-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens.

The colour and finish of matt kitchens remain consistent no matter the lighting or viewing angle, which means you can rely on their uniform appearance regardless of external conditions. This reliability is what makes them a preferred choice for many. However, it’s important to remember that matte kitchens aren’t for everybody, as they may require more frequent cleaning . Although a matt finish reduces glare, some individuals may prefer a surface that reflects light instead.

Helpful tips: To keep your matte kitchen looking its best, regularly wipe surfaces with a soft, damp cloth to prevent build up. Pair matt finishes with contrasting textures or metallic accents for a balanced and stylish design.

How Can I Incorporate Matt Kitchen Cabinets into My Kitchen?

At Roccia, we offer a diverse range of matt kitchen designs showcased in our kitchen showroom in Preston. Here, you can explore some of our favourite luxury kitchen brands that feature matte finishes in their collections. For instance, Jacob and Son’s kitchens highlight traditional English designs with matte finishes applied throughout their fixtures and fittings. These wooden kitchens are perfect for those looking to incorporate matte elements while creating a warm, inviting, and family-friendly kitchen environment. Using matt units helps achieve a consistent, non-reflective look across the kitchen, complementing other finishes beautifully.

Additionally, matte-finished kitchen tiles provide a subtle way to introduce this finish into your space. These tiles can be applied throughout the entire room for a bold statement or used as a stylish splashback.

Gloss: Where Did the Kitchen Trend Begin, and How Has it Evolved?

The use of high-gloss finishes in kitchen design dates back to the 1980s, a period when sleek and modern aesthetics were highly sought after. Initially, high-gloss finishes gained popularity for their ability to reflect light, making kitchens appear brighter and more spacious. The introduction of various high gloss and gloss finish options has further enhanced these reflective qualities, cementing their place as a key feature in contemporary kitchen design.

In recent years, advancements in materials and technology have allowed for even glossier, more durable finishes. The trend towards smooth surfaces and contemporary finish has further solidified the popularity of gloss kitchens in modern design.

Additionally, the rising popularity of high-gloss kitchens has been fuelled by a growing emphasis on minimalism and clean lines, which perfectly complement the smooth, reflective surfaces characteristic of high-gloss finishes.

Why Choose Gloss Kitchens?

Gloss kitchens suit a wide range of personal styles and can enhance various kitchen designs. They offer numerous advantages, including:

• Creating a bright and spacious appearance due to their reflective surfaces.
• Gloss doors and the choice of door style can significantly impact the kitchen's overall look and practicality.
• The reflective surfaces of gloss kitchens enhance reflected light and work well with both natural and artificial lighting to brighten the space.
• Gloss kitchens are particularly suitable for compact kitchens, a small kitchen, smaller kitchens, and smaller spaces because their reflective surfaces help make these areas feel larger and more open.
• They create a stylish and modern atmosphere.
• Easy to clean and wipe down without trapping dirt.
• Available in a wide range of colours due to their popularity.
• Adds value to your home because it’s a desirable finish

Although this finish appeals to many, some people may shy away from gloss because it can reveal more scuffs and scratches compared to matte finishes. However, with proper care and maintenance, this typically isn’t a problem.

How Can I Incorporate Gloss Kitchen Cabinets into My Kitchen?

Gloss can be incorporated into a kitchen in various ways, with one of the most popular being through cupboards. High-gloss finishes are a favored choice for kitchen fittings, and we offer a selection of kitchen brands featuring this finish, such as our Valcucine kitchens.

These luxury kitchen designs are perfect for those who enjoy entertaining and hosting guests. Featuring striking high-gloss finishes on bold white cabinets, they provide clean lines, a minimalist aesthetic, and a bright, inviting space wherever used. The glossy finish is a hallmark of modern kitchens, enhancing their sleek and contemporary appeal.

To maintain the shine and avoid scratches on gloss surfaces, it is best to clean them with a wet cloth or a non abrasive cloth.

Alternatively, if a full gloss kitchen feels too bold, you can still achieve the glossy look by selecting glossy wall tiles. Available in a wide variety of colours, sizes, and patterns, our extensive collection of kitchen wall tiles ensures you'll find the perfect match for your space.

Still undecided between a matt vs gloss kitchen? Don’t worry—you don’t have to pick just one. Many kitchens successfully blend both finishes, such as pairing matte cupboards with gloss tiles or combining matte tiles with gloss cupboards!

Kitchen Cabinet Finishes

The finish you choose for your kitchen cabinets can dramatically influence the look and feel of your entire kitchen. Gloss kitchen cabinets, with their mirror-like finish, are a popular choice for contemporary kitchens, adding a sense of luxury and modernity. Their reflective surface helps to bounce light around the room, making even small spaces feel open and airy.

On the other hand, matt kitchen cabinets offer a solid colour and a more muted, non-reflective surface, which can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Matt finishes are incredibly versatile, working well in both modern and more traditional kitchen styles. Whether you prefer the bold statement of gloss or the timeless appeal of matt in a more traditional style , your choice of kitchen cabinet finish will set the tone for your kitchen’s overall design.

Choosing Between Gloss or Matt

Deciding between a gloss or matt finish for your kitchen involves considering several practical and aesthetic factors. If your kitchen is on the smaller side or lacks natural light, gloss finishes can help reflect light and make the space feel larger and brighter. However, the reflective surface of gloss cabinets and doors may require more frequent cleaning, as fingerprints and smudges are more noticeable. Matt finishes, by contrast, are excellent at hiding everyday marks and require less maintenance, making them a great choice for busy households. While matt kitchens may not enhance light in the same way as gloss, they offer a soft, elegant look that’s easy to live with. Think about your kitchen size, how much natural light the room receives, your preferred style, and how much time you want to spend on upkeep when choosing between gloss or matt for your kitchen.

Kitchen Design Considerations

When selecting a finish for your kitchen, it’s important to look at the bigger picture of your kitchen design. Consider how your chosen finish will work with your colour scheme, worktops, flooring, and the overall style you want to achieve. For example, a gloss kitchen with high gloss kitchen doors can enhance a modern aesthetic, especially when paired with sleek surfaces and minimalist hardware. If you’re aiming for a more traditional style, matt finishes can provide a subtle, classic backdrop that pairs beautifully with wooden worktops and warm colours. The amount of natural light in your kitchen is also crucial—gloss finishes can bounce light around the room, making the space feel brighter, while matt finishes absorb light for a softer, more intimate feel. By carefully considering these elements, you can create a kitchen space that not only looks stunning but also suits your lifestyle and personal taste.

Final Decision

Ultimately, deciding between a matt finish and a gloss finish for your kitchen is a personal choice that should reflect your lifestyle, taste, and the unique qualities of your space. If you love a modern, sleek look and want to bounce light around the room, a gloss finish with its reflective surface may be ideal, especially in smaller kitchens or rooms with less natural light.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle, easy-to-maintain kitchen that resists fingerprints and smudges, a matt kitchen could be the right finish for you. Take into account your kitchen size, the amount of natural light, and your own style preferences when making your decision.

Don’t hesitate to consult our kitchen design professional for guidance — choosing the right finish will ensure your kitchen is a space you’ll enjoy for years to come. Why not book an appointment now?