Expert Tips To Select The Surface Materials For Your Home Interiors

Acrylic Or Lacquered Glass? Veneer Or Laminate? A Straightforward Comparison

Everyone wants their homes to not just look stylish, but to also reflect their personality; a sleek, polished, elegant look that does not compromise on functionality. When we talk about home interior design, surface materials are critical.

Regardless of whether you want to design your wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, tabletops, or wall panels, or you’re revamping them, the surface finish you choose will decide the aesthetics, and its durability.

The most popular choices are laminate, veneer, tiles, acrylic, and lacquered glass. Each material has its own pros and cons, appeal, and maintenance requirements.

But if you’re looking for something that’s a perfect blend of style and performance, lacquered glass may just edge out the other choices. Let’s do a deep dive into a comparison with other materials, and see why architects and designers recommend it.

Laminate: The Practical Classic

Overview

This is one of the most commonly used surface finish materials. It is made of layers of plastic resins that are bonded under very high pressure. Laminate is very economically priced, and is available in a wide range of colours and textures.

Pros:

It is pocket-friendly and easy to clean and maintain. Laminate is available in glossy and matte options, and there are hundreds of colours to choose from. You can get them in wood finish too, complete with the grains, so at a glance it looks like actual wood.

Cons:

Laminate is not a very strong or resilient material and can easily get chipped or broken. If the right adhesive or the right quantity of adhesive is not used, the laminate sheet may even peel off.

Laminate is also not very moisture-resistant and may not be ideal for places with high humidity. It also gives off a synthetic appearance.

Best For: Budget furniture, modular furniture, and in rental spaces or compact homes.

Lacquered Glass: The Game-Changer

Overview

Lacquered glass is a type of float glass that has a coating of high-quality lacquer paint on its back. This exudes a vibrant, reflective appearance that instantly transforms a space from humdrum to captivating.

It is available in a wide range of colours from two different series called SGG Planilaque and SGG Colormaxx, allowing homeowners to maintain consistency in colour or decor themes throughout their home, and create stylish interiors with a ‘wow’ factor.

Lacquered glass lends unparalleled sophistication and modernity to interiors, maintaining its shine and ability to remain in pristine condition for several years. Its reflective quality creates the illusion of space, making it perfect for compact urban homes.

Resistant to moisture and heat, it is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens, which other materials are generally not.

SGG Colormaxx series from Saint-Gobain is available in 216 RAL shades, and SGG Planilaque in 7 gorgeous shades, to match any colour theme of your choice. For children’s rooms, SGG Colormaxx Dura offers greater safety, as it is toughened lacquered glass.

For wardrobes with a dash of glitz and glamour, check out SGG Colormaxx Glint. Take it a notch higher by printing out elegant designs, scenic images, or portraits of your or your children’s favourite celebs with SGG Colormaxx Canvas.

Designers swear by the Colormaxx range, and homeowners love it, as it elevates the decor and makes each home unique, standing out with a distinct vibe.

Also read Unlock The Secret To Beautiful Interiors With Perfect Color Combinations

Pros:

Lacquered glass has a premium glossy finish that oozes class and elegance. Cleaning it is effortless, and it is resistant to moisture, stain, and scratches, and is a sustainable product. With UV-stable colours that stand the test of time, you don’t have to worry about replacements in the foreseeable future.

Cons:

Glass is heavier than other materials and needs to be installed with care. Though it is expensive at the outset, it is extremely durable.

Best For: Lacquered glass is very versatile and can be used for functional and decorative purposes, like kitchen backsplash, wall cladding or panels, wardrobe shutters, tabletops, bathroom decor, room dividers, pooja room panels, and more.

Also read Why SGG Colormaxx is the Ultimate Choice for Interior Design

Veneer: The Natural Touch

Overview

This is actual wood, made into ultrathin sheets, which are then pressed onto the base surface like plywood or MDF. Mostly made of teak, rosewood, mahogany, or other good quality wood, it offers a natural and rich look.

Pros:

The biggest advantage is that for a fraction of the cost, you can have furniture that looks as if it’s made from real wood. The premium finish with natural grains makes it look classy and elegant, and can be further customized with polishes and stains.

It is also more eco-friendly compared to other materials.

Cons:

Veneers are maintenance-intensive materials, and they need a lot of love and care. Regular polishing is a must to maintain the shine and rich appearance. They are a lot more expensive in comparison to laminate, and are vulnerable to moisture and termites.

Best For: Wardrobes, office furniture, and living room furniture like coffee tables or wall units.

Acrylic: The High-Gloss Favourite

Overview

Acrylic, also called plexiglass, has many characteristics of glass but is much lighter, and scratch and shatter resistant. Acrylic is available in glossy and matte surfaces, and of varying opacities.

Pros:

Acrylic has a mirror-like, glossy finish, is UV resistant, and highly durable. It is capable of being cut and moulded into any shape, and can be etched on. It can withstand temperature variations, moisture, and rough handling.

Acrylic is also cost-effective, easy to maintain, and has a chic modern appeal.

Cons:

Fingerprints and scratches can show up on acrylic quite easily, and the material costs more than laminate. It requires regular cleaning to maintain its shine, though the effort required is less.

Best For: Kitchen cabinets as it is highly resistant to moisture and heat. It can also be used for modern wardrobes for a contemporary look.

Tiles: The Durable All-Rounder

Overview

Tiles are available in a very wide range: porcelain, ceramic, vitrified, stone, marble, and so on, and are used mainly in flooring and wall applications. They are available in a diverse range of designs, and are robust.

Tiles are ceramic or porcelain-based materials used extensively in flooring and wall applications. They're known for their robustness and design diversity.

Pros:

Tiles are very sturdy and durable and highly resistant to the elements. They are available in a broad range of colours, finishes, price ranges, patterns, and so on, and are very easy to clean.

Cons:

The biggest disadvantage is that tiles are not suitable for furniture applications, and installing them takes time and significant labour.

Best For: Floors throughout the home and even in patios and sun decks, kitchen walls, and bathroom walls and floors.

What Should You Choose?

The choice of surface finish depends significantly on your budget, requirements, and aesthetic goals. We have already seen the pros and cons of all the materials. We spoke to a few architects and designers.

Drawing from their experience, they weighed in heavily in favour of lacquered glass. The reasons? It is the most durable material that can be used for furniture, is absolutely low-maintenance, adds depth and space to a room, and has unmatched elegance. You can see our videos which demonstrate how lacquered glass has been used. 

Also Read  Unlimited Interior Design Ideas with SGG Colormaxx Glass

Conclusion

Whether you want shine, value, or cost-effectiveness over the years, the SGG Colormaxx range of lacquered glass ticks all the boxes. The rich palette of refined lacquered glass options from Saint-Gobain is guaranteed to elevate your interiors.

Make a bold statement, ensure functionality, and sit back without maintenance worries, with Saint-Gobain glass.