A Designers Guide to choosing Matte or Gloss
If you're beginning your bathroom Reno, you may have arrived at the time to make one crucial decision; gloss or matte finish?! Choosing between gloss or matte can effect your bathrooms aesthetic, maintenance, cost, and more. Before choosing the finish for your basin, bath or vanity top, lets debunk some common myths and explore all the pros and cons for both options.
What actually is the difference?
We all know gloss as a shiny, reflective finish that creates a luxurious and glamorous look. Because gloss reflects light, it is a popular options for small bathrooms, where light is key to making it feel more spacious.
Gloss basins tend to be more common, and have been around for longer. Available in cheaper ceramic options right through to pricey porcelain.
Matte on the other hand is a soft, velvety finish that creates a calm and serene atmosphere. It defuses light, making it a lot less glare than gloss options.
Matte finishes can come in all kinds of material options, from earthy concrete, to durable acrylic/solid surface.
What is higher maintenance?
While deciding on the look of your bathroom materials is important, so is considering the upkeep.
Choosing products should be influenced by a few things, budget, aesthetic and lifestyle.
Some important questions to ask are:
How high traffic the space is going to be?
Will there be children will be sharing the space?
What products you regularly use that might effect the surface?
How much time and money you are willing to put into the maintenance of the materials?
For ensuites used in the master or guest rooms, you may be more willing to luxe out on a material such as concrete. There are very durable concrete options on the market, but they should receive slightly more care than standard acrylic options. For best results, concrete basins require waxing every 6-12 months.
Across all materials, matte finishes tend to be better at camouflaging spills and smudges.
However, they don't offer superior protection against them. Matte surfaces can be slightly more porous, which can result in a buildup of oil, grease, and other substances that may become more difficult to remove if not addressed promptly.
What is trending?
As an interior designer, I've noticed a significant trend towards matte finishes for bathroom basins. Their understated elegance and modern appeal perfectly complement contemporary design styles.
The soft, velvety texture adds a touch of sophistication. Everything is design and aesthetic seems to be leaning into nature and organic. A popular option at the moment is matte concrete, which creates a grounding, earthy look. Matte basins diffuse light, reducing glare and creating a more relaxed ambiance.
Gloss finishes however, remain timeless and trusted by many. Choosing gloss vs matte is a personal preference. Your bathroom design should be unique to your lifestyle and vibe!
What is more affordable?
Basins made from the same material, typically won't impact the price. For example, you can get matte and gloss options in both ceramic, porcelain, acrylic and more.
In terms of maintenance and durability, you could save slightly more with a gloss basin, as they can require slightly less care.
No matter what you budget is, Elite bathroomware has matte and gloss finishes ranging from affordable to high end.
So, is there a right or wrong answer? of course not! Lay out a mood board and get a feel for what look like best. Once you've chosen a finish, let our lovely showroom team help you explore a material that will suit your lifestyle needs and budget. We will make sure you walk away with a product you can trust in and will look amazing for years to come.
