Are you looking for the right countertop for your new kitchen? Or maybe it's time to replace the worn one? Check out tips and photo examples, choosing hundreds of models and colors: wood, stone and concrete. Are you preparing to design your dream kitchen or would you like to change something in your current design? If you are thinking about choosing a countertop, then the number of offers on the market is too large to easily select the right material and pattern. In the article below you will find answers to all questions.
Chipboard work surface
A kitchen countertop made of laminated chipboard is one of the most popular options today. A melamine (plastic) protective coating is applied to the chipboard. The greater the thickness of such a slab, the higher its cost will be. The fullness size varies from 20 mm to 80 mm. The reliability of such a tabletop directly depends on the thickness of the melamine layer.
The thickest layer can be found from European manufacturers (80 mm). Melamine tolerates high temperatures well, does not absorb foreign odors, and this coating can be cleaned with any household chemicals. This working surface is moisture-resistant and impact-resistant. Installation and installation of such a coating is possible with your own hands.
However, such countertops have a short service life. When caring for such a surface, you must adhere to some rules:
- Stains should be removed immediately using a soft, slightly damp cloth.
- Clean matte surfaces only with liquid cleaner.
- Removal of fat using solvents of natural origin only.
- Do not allow moisture to get into the seams.
- Protect the coating from mechanical damage.
DECOUPAGE
A huge advantage of decoupage is that it does not limit your imagination and allows you to change the tabletop beyond recognition, with little effort. An old tabletop at a table can be changed beyond recognition if you approach the matter creatively.
You can make a creative thing with your own hands if you use the decoupage technique. Decorating the surface of a table using this technique does not require any special skills or abilities - anyone can do this work with a minimum of tools. For work you will need:
- PVA glue;
- Pictures;
- furniture varnish.
To decorate your table, you can purchase ready-made pictures for decoupage, sold in any craft store. But motifs cut out from paper napkins or pictures from magazines and books are quite suitable.
You can design a drawing on a computer and print it out - this way you can see the whole picture in advance and decide on the drawing before starting work. Stages of work:
- Before work, thoroughly wash the old countertop and treat it with any degreasing agent - a swab moistened with alcohol will do;
- Dilute the glue in a ratio of 1:1;
- Moisten the selected motifs with it and glue them to the tabletop. The composition is created based on your taste, the main thing is not to overdo it with the number of motifs, otherwise the tabletop will look tacky.
- Carefully straighten the glued pictures - there should be no bubbles under them;
- Wait until the tabletop is completely dry;
- Cover the dried surface with varnish;
- Wait for the varnish layer to dry and apply a second coat;
- To prevent new decorations from being erased from the tabletop during wet cleaning, repeat the varnishing operation 3-4 times. For ease of use, the varnish can be purchased in aerosol packaging.
This hand-made table design will be in a single copy. This will make the interior design unique and memorable.
Important : using the decoupage technique, you cannot decorate the surface of the working area, as it is subject to intensive use and is often washed with chemicals. Design using decoupage technique is suitable for dining tables, table tops and window sills.
We also recommend watching the video instructions:
Fake diamond
A mixture of natural stone particles, acrylic resins and natural pigment is called artificial stone. It is used to produce artificial countertops for the kitchen. These coatings are highly durable, easy to maintain and have a long service life.
The acrylic artificial stone coating is absolutely seamless. But acrylic is highly susceptible to mechanical stress. It is very difficult to use.
The production of artificial stone alomerate occurs on particles from the stone. Vacuum pressing technology ensures high strength and resistance to mechanical damage and temperature changes.
Alomerate countertops are produced only in standard sizes, which is not at all suitable for creating a custom kitchen. They look very solid, but they also have a decent price.
Video description
About transforming an old kitchen table in the following video:
Ceramic tile
If the house has a supply of ceramic tiles of a suitable color, it can be used for countertop decor. The method is suitable for finishing a table not only in the kitchen, but also on the terrace, veranda or gazebo. There are no technological differences compared to installation on the floor or walls.
It is convenient to use liquid nails as an adhesive, but if you have a special tile adhesive, you can dilute it. To work, you will need spacers, crosses, and grout, preferably epoxy.
Table with tiles Source yandex.net
The ornament is thought out in advance. To add attractiveness, use combinations of plain and patterned tiles, and trim the edges with a border. The theme can be geometric or floral patterns, decorative panels, patchwork.
When you want something unusual, you should visit hardware stores and showrooms. From time to time there are promotions and sales of past collections and leftovers. At a reasonable price you can purchase original tiles from leading Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian brands.
Combined solution Source pinimg.com
A natural stone
The beauty of natural stone cannot be compared with anything. Stone countertops for the kitchen are always impressive and unique. Each coating has its own individual pattern, created by the hand of nature. This material requires some care.
Not every stone is suitable for a kitchen worktop:
- Porosity and soft structure do not allow the use of marble and onyx.
- The most suitable stone for countertops is granite.
Skirting for the kitchen as the final touch when choosing a countertop
The renovation is complete, the kitchen set with the countertop is installed - it's just a matter of small things. All that remains is to select the baseboard.
In appearance it resembles a floor-standing analogue. And its functions are as follows:
- closes the joint between the countertop and the apron;
- prevents dust, moisture, and pieces of food from entering the technological gap;
- plays a decorative role.
As a rule, the kitchen plinth is selected so that it is in harmony with the countertop. Ideally, it should be made of the same material.
Wooden models perfectly complement a tabletop made of solid oak, alder, or walnut. MDF plinths are a little more capricious in operation than wooden ones. It is better to choose an option covered with a thin layer of lamination.
Models made of artificial or natural stone look like a plank leaning against a wall. They serve for years without losing their presentable appearance. One of the disadvantages is that they do not allow you to hide the electrical wiring.
The width of the plinth is selected individually. It is important that it completely covers the gap.
Various forms of skirting boards are available:
- triangular;
- rectangular;
- rounded;
- curly;
- flat.
Wood table top
Historically, countertops were made from wood. Today it is luxury. Preservation of the original shape is possible only by maintaining an optimal level of humidity. Wooden surfaces require careful care.
Whatnot
A real trend that has become widespread abroad is the use of multi-tier fruit racks for purposes other than their intended purpose.
They place small pots with house plants on a three-story tray, decorate it for the holidays, decorating it with candles, Easter eggs and sweets, and also set up a tea station, displaying aesthetic mugs and various types of drink. The priority, as usual, is wood and metal.
Metal and glass
Sometimes traditional solutions are not at all suitable for creating a unique interior. For a high-tech kitchen, you can purchase a metal countertop. It is distinguished by its resistance to dirt and high temperatures. It is not difficult to keep such a surface clean; to do this, you only need to clean the surface on time.
Tempered glass is used to produce glass countertops. This is a very expensive and rare material. Most often, countertops are made with only small decorative inserts. They look great, but are high maintenance.
Simple Design Ideas
Dining tables serve as a fertile basis for creativity, and any self-respecting designer will have many original design ideas. It’s not at all difficult to turn an ordinary piece of furniture into a highlight of the interior.
Decoration for breakfast Source pinimg.com
Tablecloth
Some may think that a tablecloth is not the best choice for a table located in the kitchen. However, the half-forgotten accessory becomes a trend and is rapidly returning to everyday life. Casual and festive tablecloths create an atmosphere of home comfort and instantly change the mood of the room. A tablecloth is one of the important elements of table decor, and certainly the largest in area. It emphasizes the theme of the design, sets the color and texture.
In a festive atmosphere Source blogspot.com
Everyday tablecloths can be functional (dining) or decorative, if it is necessary to emphasize the style of the room (for example, Provence). A festive tablecloth does not have to be made from expensive natural linen or jacquard; mixed fabrics are also suitable, just as beautiful to look at, but more wear-resistant. There are various ways to use a tablecloth: you can cover the table completely with it, arrange it in the form of fabric runners, or lay fabrics of different textures in two layers.
In Provence style Source hzcdn.com
Flowers
Natural decorations have become another design trend, and a bouquet of fresh flowers on the dining table totally fits the theme. It is recommended to use vases of simple shapes, transparent or plain. They will not draw attention away from the natural beauty of the bouquet. Garden roses, a pot of spicy herbs, a mix of wildflowers and ears of corn, and Japanese-style sakura branches will look equally attractive.
Casual doesn't mean boring Source hearstapps.com
Edible decor: fruits
A cheerful accent in the form of a bowl of fruit is an attractive decor for a table in the kitchen or dining room. It turns out cheap, useful and picturesque; The main thing is to choose fruits that do not spoil for a long time without refrigeration. Apples, citrus fruits, pomegranates, pears are suitable; hard varieties of peaches and unripe avocados will sit for a while
Fruits make stylish themed compositions, for example, for New Year's holidays. They are supplemented with nuts and cones, combined with branches of mistletoe, thuja, boxwood, and juniper. A composition made from a New Year's wreath with fruit and candles looks beautiful on a festive table.
Country style Source fastpic.ru
The comfort of candles
Candles will not be superfluous for any event, from a quiet family dinner to a wedding. You can show your imagination and not limit yourself to purchased candlesticks, but create your own composition. Depending on the theme, fresh or dried flowers, fruits, nuts, a glass with sand and shells are suitable.
Candles and flowers Source hgtvhome.sndimg.com
Composition on a wooden tray Source biafmedia.horrida.com
With autumn notes Source secureservercdn.net
Exclusive table decor
Guests will appreciate such table decor, and it will become the center of attention for a long time. The most unusual objects, perhaps a hobby item of the owners, can serve as decoration.
Eco-Easter Source prozorivrata.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in garden furniture and paints and varnishes
What to put in the center
A group of items of the same theme placed in the center of a table is a tried and true method of decoration. Assorted bottles, vases and figurines, unusual candlesticks, fresh flowers and even vegetables will help make the kitchen interior more interesting. An important detail: things are placed in a precisely calibrated artificial disorder.
Glass and porcelain Source biafmedia.horrida.com
In vintage style Source decoratorist.com
If the kitchen table is made of glass; it is not hidden under the tablecloth, and uncluttered decor is selected. Glass vases and elegant candlesticks will be in place; if the compositions are small. Instead of a tablecloth, fabric or wicker napkins and rugs that are in harmony with the theme of the design are suitable.
On glass Source pinimg.com
Choosing a color
A kitchen with a dark countertop is always elegant and incredibly beautiful. All attention is focused on this surface. Dark colors are suitable for modern kitchens with a large area. Any housewife will like such a work surface. When making such an accent in your kitchen, do not forget about the harmony of the color of the countertop with the facade of the furniture.
A kitchen with a light countertop is beautiful and effective. A light countertop will perfectly complement a white or beige kitchen set.
The option of black furniture with a light countertop looks very chic. The contrast of white and black always looks stylish.
New life for an old table
In order for the kitchen to look exclusive, they choose a more radical path, especially if the household has an old but good-quality wooden table. Restoration will save the furniture from being sent to the dacha, and will help the owners show their imagination. For those who are interested in the idea of updating and wondering how to decorate the table in the best way, you will be pleased to know that there are several different, but equally effective methods.
Rustic style Source ebayimg.com
Decoupage
Decoupage will come in handy if the interior is decorated in a rustic (Provence, country) or vintage style of Victorian romance (shabby chic). The technique involves fixing the application to a suitable surface. There are several types of decoupage, the simplest one impresses with its budget and ease of execution, and includes the following steps:
- The surface of the table is cleaned and leveled with sandpaper until perfectly smooth.
- An acrylic-based primer is applied to the prepared tabletop.
Decoupage on a round table Source build.4-u.info
