Decorative countertop edge styles are attractive – and for some, it’s a tempting detail to apply to a new kitchen design. However, if you haven’t got a lot of space to work with in the first place, you run the risk of making the room look even smaller.
It’s a matter of perspective. In smaller kitchens, even a little detail like that can become a focal point, drawing the eye and creating the illusion of having less space than you really do.
That said, there are ways to do it that will allow you to have the design you want without compromising the rest of the layout.
Whether you decide on a stone, quartz, or laminate countertop, the topic of edges will come up. Choosing the right one will help ensure you will love the result for many years to come.
Here are three countertop edge styles we recommend, both for functionality, ease of care, and aesthetic beauty in a small kitchen:
Single-Bevel Countertop Edge Style
A single-bevel edge has a square cut along the upper edge. A standard bevel is about 45-degrees, more or less. It’s simple, elegant, and easy to clean, and it looks a little fancier than it costs, so it’s easy to make it look like you’ve splurged when you haven’t. The cost of a single-bevel is comparable to the double-eased edge style, which is a fairly typical offering in most countertops.
Bullnose Countertop Edge Style
Full bullnose is a transitional style that features a smooth, rounded edge on both the upper and lower sides. It flows nicely into other aspects of the kitchen design and looks pretty fancy, even though it comes in at about the same cost as a double-eased. Bullnose edges are sleek and soft and make the edge seem a bit more elegant.
A half-bullnose style is curved on the top but flat on the bottom. It has a more substantial appearance and is appropriate for traditionally-designed kitchens.
Eased Edges
An eased edge refers to slightly softened square edges. You will typically see this on laminate countertops, but the style isn’t strictly reserved for this material. In a small kitchen, eased edges lend a more upscale look and contribute nicely to a modern design approach. If you have oddly-shaped countertops, or if you have counter extensions that pull out when you need extra space, an eased edge might be a good choice for you.
Fancier Countertop Edge Styles
Of course, you might prefer a fancier look. If you aren’t concerned with maximizing a small space, the sky’s truly the limit when it comes to countertop edges. There are some really fun styles you can choose from, depending on the countertop materials you go with and the overall décor approach.
Some of the fancier edge styles include:
Double-Bevel
If you have granite or natural stone countertops, double-bevels can give you a customized look that fits in very nicely with a traditional kitchen design. A double-bevel can be customized with different angles and widths. The bevel angles catch the light, creating a subtle effect.
Flat Polish
A flat polish gives you a clean, classic edge that really shows off the countertop material. We generally see this edge style in contemporary designs.
Mitered Drop-Apron
A mitered drop-apron or a mitered edge is something you generally wouldn’t choose for a smaller kitchen. Basically, it is an edge slab that is used to extend the countertop edge. It can extend a few inches or as far as the floor, or maybe just to another level of the countertop. You might use this to hide support structures underneath the island or to make it look like the counter and whatever is underneath it is one massive piece of stone. It’s definitely not a budget-friendly solution, but it can be very striking in the right circumstances.
Ogee Edges
The ogee edge is a true classic, but again, it’s not necessarily a budget-friendly choice. The style is characterized by a single concave radius at the top and a slightly rounded bottom edge. A double ogee features two concave radii. We typically see an ogee style in traditional kitchen design.
The Fancier The Edge, The More It’s Going To Cost
You can really go to town on countertop edge styles, but it’s vital to stay within your budget. The basic rule of thumb on this is “the fancier the edge, the more it’s going to cost.” Our design team can help you choose an edge style that will work beautifully with your kitchen without breaking the bank. Reach out today to find out what’s possible.
