Is a glass panel a good choice for your kitchen?

Published 2022-11-08

Already planning your new kitchen but not sure what to put above the worktop? Ceramic tiles, once the default choice, now face plenty of competition - wallpaper, washable paint, MDF board or glass panels. Each of these can work well and meet the homeowner's expectations - but it's worth knowing the differences.

Wallpaper, paint, MDF - pros and cons

Wallpaper is usually the most budget-friendly option, but its lifespan is limited - even the best materials age over time and lose their charm. Its upside is that virtually any pattern can be used, matched exactly to your taste.

Paint manufacturers advertise their products as washable, but a kitchen is a place where stains happen easily and can be stubborn to remove - in practice, it's rare to find a worktop wall protected with paint alone that still looks good years later.

MDF boards are good quality these days, but scratches can appear over time, and manufacturers usually offer a limited range of patterns - a uniform wood texture or an imitation of natural stone.

Why glass wins on hygiene

Glass panels for kitchens arrived alongside advances in glass-decorating technology, and they keep growing in popularity. The surface of a glass panel is fully resistant to grease, dirt, bacteria and water - it's a non-porous surface that nothing can get into. A quick wipe with almost any household cleaner is enough to keep it hygienically clean, with no worries about mould or bacteria that can build up in ceramic tile grout.

Another advantage is the practically unlimited choice of patterns - it's easy to find something for every taste.

Which pattern to choose?

The truth is, it's hard to go wrong with high-grade, well-made tempered glass. As long as the pattern doesn't clash with its surroundings, a glass panel will look good and serve its practical purpose for years - from classic to thoroughly contemporary, a glass kitchen panel can be as subtle or as bold as you decide.