What types of furniture fronts are there and how to choose the right one

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Facades are used for different types of cabinet or modular interior items. The appearance of the structures depends on them. Furniture facades may differ in size, color, material of manufacture, thickness, decoration method and other characteristics. They are usually fairly easy to replace, allowing you to update the appearance of different furnishings.

Basic classification

To choose the best facades for furniture, you need to understand the features of all existing types. They are divided into categories according to the purpose of the room for which the products are intended. Each variety must have certain characteristics.

Type of roomQualities that facades should have
KitchenResistance to sudden temperature changes and mechanical damage
BathroomGood tolerance to high humidity
Living roomHigh strength, long service life
BedroomComfortable method of operation, appropriate decor
Children'sAbsolute safety (no harmful chemical compounds in the material, rounded edges)
HallwayPresentable appearance, reliability, durability


It is important to consider the conditions under which the facades will be used. For example, the mirrored decor of a bedroom set is completely inappropriate in the kitchen, and glass doors in the hallway are inappropriate, but they are ideal for decorating a living room. According to the production method, there are facades:
  1. Whole. They are blank panels decorated on the front side. They are decorated by pressing or special overlays and wooden elements are used for production. They are made mainly from glass and natural wood.
  2. Composite (frame-paneled). They have a multilayer structure, are characterized by high strength and lower cost.

In order for the selected furniture facades to last as long as possible and be comfortable to use, it is necessary to take into account many nuances. It is advisable to entrust the selection of these elements to specialists. After all, the facade should not only be of high quality and durable, but also fit perfectly into the interior.


One-piece


Composite

Types of MDF facade coatings

Having chosen MDF, you need to choose the type of coating.

It not only improves the performance properties of finished furniture, but also provides an opportunity to play up the design of the room, create a special mood and give a unique appearance.

PVC film is the cheapest option.

Furniture film made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is applied using a vacuum press to a previously prepared surface.

The use of film allows you to create facades with different types of textures, different shades, glossy and matte, monochrome and multi-colored.

The disadvantage of such coatings is sensitivity to temperatures exceeding 100 degrees.

Therefore, you will have to use the stove and oven in such a kitchen with caution, strictly following the instructions in the operating instructions for the stove and hood.

Facades covered with enamel look bright and stylish.

Painted facades turn into a field for creativity and creative solutions, allowing you to apply “aging”, use prints, patterns and ornaments.

Such facades are easy to clean and at high temperatures do not release harmful substances into the air under the influence of high temperatures.

The negative aspects of using enamel facades include poor resistance to mechanical stress (possible chipping from impact).

Do not forget about the gradual clouding of the paint and loss of brightness and shine.

Accuracy and careful care are the key to the durability of the paintwork.

An excellent cladding option is plastic facades.

Applied using post-forming technology, it will reliably protect the material from third-party influences and provide a huge selection of colors, prints, textures and decorative effects.

In terms of price, plastic facades are much more expensive than film coating, so it is difficult to say which is better to choose – film or plastic.

Consumer reviews are divided approximately equally, without particularly highlighting one thing.

Another type of plastic MDF coating is acrylic.

Acrylic facades surprise with the brilliance and beauty of the facades, depth of color and super-shine of the surface.

The only disadvantage of this MDF coating is that it does not hide a single scratch or dust, forcing the owners to constantly clean it.

However, the advantage of acrylic is that you can get rid of existing cracks by sanding.

Basic designs

Based on the type of construction, the following types of facades are distinguished:

  1. Straight - such facades have standard sizes, are considered the simplest of all possible, and are used in the manufacture of traditional cabinet furniture.
  2. Bent - can be convex, concave, used for more sophisticated interior styles, must correspond to the frame of the product.
  3. Radius - suitable for walls, cabinets, visually increasing the space.
  4. Blind elements look original and are easy to use.

If radius or curved ones were chosen from the main types of furniture facades, one nuance should be taken into account. Their dimensions must be calculated to the nearest millimeter. Even a small error can cause rapid breakdown of the product. Moreover, in this case, minor repairs will not be enough; one or more facades will have to be replaced.


Direct


Bent


Radial


Louvre

Read more about the benefits of Egger chipboard

EGGER advantages of laminated chipboard

  • The company's leading position is ensured by unique production technologies and the highest quality products.
  • All panels have emission class E1. The emulsion and hardeners used in production do not contain chlorine. The formaldehyde content in EGGER laminated chipboard is, on average, only 6.5 mg/100 g (The norm for emission class E1 in Europe is 8.5 mg, in Russia - 10 mg.)
  • Furniture made from EGGER panels DOES NOT SMELL! This is one of the most environmentally friendly chipboards in the world. The slab is perfectly processed and finished
  • Raw materials for the production of panels undergo careful selection and sorting. The use of RECYCLED (reclaimed) wood is not allowed!
  • EGGER laminated chipboard is lighter than its domestic counterparts, which increases its consumer properties, ease of use of furniture made from EGGER laminated chipboard and reduces the wear of furniture mechanisms used.

Egger laminated boards are made from environmentally friendly wood

The base is chipboard, manufactured according to European quality standards EN 312 and EN 14322, on which a decorative multilayer melamine film is applied.

A large number and variety of ornaments imitating valuable types of wood, the texture of a smooth painted surface or metal, allows you to bring to life almost any solution and creative idea when decorating the interior and making furniture.

The production of the board is carried out in 17 European factories with a high degree of automation and certified according to the system of strict control of harmful emissions and quality of finished products (PEFC / FSC).

The production of particle boards is being improved by the company to achieve the highest results. The Egger Group is an example of the consistent implementation of the plan to create high-tech and environmentally friendly production. The standards introduced by Egger were the most innovative in the industry at the time, and are now the general industry standard for safe chipboards - an environmental product declaration.

Environmental declarations of laminated chipboards are today a generally obligatory condition for the production of particle boards in Europe. The European Declaration of Safety, which accompanies every product of the company, is a source of information for designers and manufacturers, an important starting point for the end consumer who cares about their health and the cleanliness of the environment.

Egger guarantees the environmental safety of chipboard throughout its entire life cycle: from production to use in furniture and subsequent disposal.

Dimensions for different types of furniture

Despite the rapidly growing popularity of furniture of non-standard shapes, most manufacturers focus on traditional models. This is at least economically beneficial. The demand for conventional rectangular, cabinet cabinets and walls has always been high. There are quite a lot of options for standard sizes of furniture facades, so you can choose a suitable element for rooms of any size.

Purpose, features of basic types of furniture hinges, installation nuances

Blind doors, in cmShowcases, cmDrawers and cabinets, cm
39.5 x 49.549.5 x 49.514 x 29.5
57 x 29.557 x 29.514 x 39.5
71.5 x 29.571.5 x 29.528.5 x 39.5
71.5 x 59.590 x 29.511 x 59.5

The indicated dimensions are relevant for facades made of all types of materials. Compliance with them guarantees convenient use of furniture. But it is worth noting that the data may differ slightly from different manufacturers, by 3–5 mm.

As for sliding wardrobes, the width of the doors can vary from 50 cm to 1 m, and the height can range from 220 to 240 cm. Each manufacturer sets its own parameters for facades.


Kitchen fronts and cabinets

If you do not yet clearly distinguish between these two concepts, then pay attention to the terminology. Kitchen body and facade - what is it? Let's note the fundamental differences:

  • The body of the kitchen set is the basis, the frame of the kitchen furniture. It is a base module to which shelves, drawers, frames and fronts are attached.
  • The facades of kitchen furniture are its external external elements, in particular doors and decorative panels.

Next we'll talk about cases. If you want to learn more about facades and the materials used to make them, we recommend a feature article on our blog.

Manufacturing materials and coatings

The quality, susceptibility to various external factors and cost depend on the material from which the furniture façade is made. You can choose from several options:

  • laminated chipboard;
  • MDF;
  • solid wood;
  • glass;
  • metal.

Chipboard is the most affordable, but least practical material of all listed. Its strength can be increased through special protective coatings. Contains formaldehyde resins, which negatively affect human health. Suitable for the manufacture of products of geometric shapes, never used for the production of furniture with radius facades.

MDF is a safer material that also has a long service life. Its price is in the middle category, which, against the backdrop of excellent qualities, is another advantage. The only disadvantage is considered to be high susceptibility to temperature changes and mechanical damage.

MDF facades are found in all types of furniture, painted products are used, as well as in PVC film or plastic. The first option is the most expensive, as it involves manual labor. An undoubted advantage is the unlimited color range and the ability to use special effects. PVC film is much cheaper, can be matte, glossy, or allows you to imitate wood. In this case, additional processing is possible to obtain patinated furniture facades. The choice of plastic coatings is also huge: from bright colors to imitation of natural materials. Unlike film, they increase the strength of the product, since their thickness reaches 2 mm.

On MDF facades, enamel is applied in several layers - the more layers there are, the better the quality of the finished product.

Wooden facades are considered the most expensive, furniture from which has significant weight, deforms under high humidity, and requires special care. But any shortcomings seem insignificant against the background of such advantages: environmental safety, luxurious appearance, maintainability, high strength, durability. Carved facades are made from wood for the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and hallway.

Features of using stickers on furniture, choice of materials and themes

Glass facades are made from hardened alloy or triplex. They can effectively complement any interior; they can be straight or curved. They are heavy, which requires additional reinforcement of the frame. They have an almost unlimited service life, but if damaged they cannot be repaired. The choice of glass facades for furniture in the kitchen or living room is large, the material is presented in a wide range of colors.

In modern interiors of bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms, new metal facades are often found. Manufacturers give preference to stainless steel and aluminum. They not only have an attractive appearance, but are also much stronger than wooden ones and are not afraid of mold or mildew. In addition, the aluminum profile does not lose color over time, so the service life of such products has no clear limits.

For those who cannot spend money on wooden facades, but prefer natural materials, chipboard or MDF lined with veneer would be an excellent solution. The latter is a thin layer of wood obtained by sawing, planing or peeling logs. Such products are less capricious to use. Facades with 3D milling, the surface of which imitates the texture of wood, waves, flames, and sand dunes, are also becoming increasingly popular. And when using modern photo printing on furniture facades, you can decorate your wardrobe with any image, even your own portrait.


Laminated chipboard


MDF


Solid wood


Glass


Metal

Varieties

Before you buy Clip Top type hinges produced by Blum, or internal hinges from companies like Boyard and Hettich Sensys, you need to find out what these same types of removable hinges can be.

If you focus on the intended purpose, then the accessories in question are:

See also:


Modern double beds with upholstered headboards: which one to choose

  • Furniture. Used directly for the manufacture and assembly of furniture. Provides opening of facades by 90 and 110 degrees, depending on the specific model. Mounted on cabinets where the doors are located inside the cabinet;
  • Door. Installed on entrance and interior doors. Such fittings have better protection against penetration into premises;
  • Gateway. Gate hinges are mounted on garage doors, gates and other similar structures.

We are mainly interested in the first option, that is, furniture internal hinges.

They became widespread, just like overhead loops in their time. Although the latter are used less and less, giving preference to more advanced and functional solutions.

Let's talk about them in more detail.

In addition to its purpose, such fittings may differ in several other principles.

Here we are talking about the following points:

[adv1]

  • Closer. Older and budget models with a door closer are not included, which somewhat worsens their performance characteristics. Solutions in the form of hinges with closers ensure smooth closing, reduce noise when the hinges operate, and increase comfort of use;
  • Dimensions and dimensions. Most inset hinges have the same seat cup size, which is 35 mm. A special drill for hinges is provided for them. But the dimensions of the structure itself may differ;
  • Manufacturer. Even if you initially buy inexpensive furniture, you should not install budget fittings on it. Among the leaders in the production of hinges are Hettich, Blum, Boyard, etc.

When choosing hinges for furniture, look at all the characteristics and parameters.

Do not forget that you will still need to determine the exact amount of fittings.

Design and color options

The facade of any product without appropriate decor will not have a finished look. The rule does not apply here: the more, the better. Finished furniture should be decorated in accordance with the design of the room where it will be installed.

Modern style

The interiors of modern apartments and houses often feature unusual design solutions. Almost any idea can be brought to life using the following techniques:

  1. Lamination is the application of a special film to chipboard and MDF.
  2. Gloss - created by using plastic, acrylic, varnish, film.
  3. Imitation of textures - with the help of a special coating, chipboard or MDF can be turned into wood, stone, leather.
  4. Spraying for glass serves not only as a decorative element, but also protects from the sun.
  5. Printing on facades allows you to decorate furniture with any images, even photographs.

Today, furniture facades with prints such as flowers, cityscapes, and corrugated photo printing are popular.

A combination of facades is successfully used. Bamboo inserts can complement an interior with an emphasis on natural materials. Mirror surfaces add lightness, increase space, and forged fragments provide a unique style and feeling of luxury.

Main types of furniture profiles, characteristics, application

Glossy facades reflect light well and are combined with any colors, which cannot be said about other types of decor. All interior elements should be designed in the same range or in a variety of shades that are in good harmony with each other. There are no standard or generally accepted solutions. Kitchen facades can be white, red, black. The same goes for cabinets, chests of drawers and other furniture.


Lamination


Gloss


Imitation of textures


Sputtering for glass


Seal

Classic

Classic requires greater restraint in colors and decor. This style can be used:

  1. Panels - represent the framing of one or several parts of the facades.
  2. Braids are made from plastic or carved from wood.
  3. Patina is the effect of aging.

In a classic style, it is not necessary to use natural wood. The facades can be made from budget chipboard, but lined with veneer. Another option is to use decor with the structure of noble wood. Film, plastic and even photo printing are suitable for this. Although it is very difficult to achieve realism with a pattern on the facade that imitates wood. Current colors: white, pastel colors, calm rich blue, green.


Panels


Braids


Patina

Should I choose dark furniture for small spaces?

In terms of “coverage” area, furniture occupies about 20-30% of the total area of ​​the room. Therefore, it may well be dark. Against the background of whitewashed walls, it will not create a feeling of cramping and narrowing of space. On the contrary, it will make it more prominent and voluminous.

A dark and cramped room is made by insufficient lighting and redundancy in details.

  • Provide a sufficient number of lamps . A traditional chandelier in the corners of the room will visually make it even smaller. But wall sconces and ceiling lamps along the perimeter will “raise” the ceiling and expand the space.
  • Say yes to glossy, reflective surfaces . This can be frosted and painted glass, three-dimensional mirrors and glossy facades - it all depends on the purpose of the room.
  • Say no to open shelves and small decorative elements. In a small bedroom, living room, kitchen, an abundance of small details will create a feeling of chaos and clutter. It is better to hide all the shelves behind the facades. And if you use push-pull opening systems and do not install handles, the cabinet doors will be perceived as an extension of the walls. Which will also create the effect of more space than it actually is.

There are rooms in which these rules should be ignored. We are talking about home offices and libraries. Deep, calm colors in an interior without mirrors, gloss, an abundance of light and dark furniture will create a feeling of comfort and isolation, and the limitation of space will not be oppressive and unnecessary.

Although we are all different. Some people find it more pleasant to relax while reading and work in a space where there is light and fresh air.

Tips for choosing based on purpose

When selecting furniture fronts, you need to calculate all the pros and cons. It is necessary to pay attention to the following points:

  1. The level of resistance of the material to high moisture and temperature changes.
  2. Durability and susceptibility to mechanical damage.
  3. Difficulty level of care.
  4. Estimated service life.

It is necessary to take into account both practical and aesthetic components. Glass facades in the hallway, for example, are inappropriate, because clothes will be stored behind them, the silhouette of which will not at all decorate the interior of the room.

Furniture blinds are best used in the kitchen to provide ventilation in the closet. It is not recommended to install wooden shelves and cabinets in the bathroom. Due to excessive exposure to moisture, they quickly become deformed, which will require a radical replacement of furniture. Chipboard is not acceptable for children's use due to the low level of safety. Taking into account the key features of each material, you can choose the ideal facade for any type of furniture.


The level of resistance of the material to high moisture and temperature changes


Durability and susceptibility to mechanical damage


Difficulty of care


Approximate service life

What is a furniture facade

The facade of cabinet furniture is understood as the totality of all visible parts facing its front, and sometimes side, surface. The facade ultimately determines the appearance, cost, and attractiveness of furniture for the consumer. The area of ​​facade parts on average does not exceed 30% of the area of ​​the parts that make up the product. The cost of the facade is approximately 25-30%, and can reach 80% of the price of the entire product.

The facade includes several main types of parts: doors, front walls of drawers, vertical and horizontal decorative overlays, cornices, etc. All furniture fronts can be classified according to numerous characteristic features, for example, by style, appearance or design. Facade doors are their main constituent element.

It is easy to change the appearance of furniture by simply updating the facades. Replacing facades is not a difficult task. The fastening is usually designed in such a way that the facade is easy to unfasten, replace with a new one and adjust the latter vertically, horizontally, as well as its inclination. In this case, the fastening part - the so-called filler part - remains in its place, and another facade is mounted to it. Drawer fronts are also quickly replaced. A variety of reasons lead to the decision to change facades, both prosaic - wear and tear due to careless use, damage by active children, direct exposure to sunlight, improper use of detergents, etc., and more sublime - the thirst for change, renewal, often associated with repair.

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