The Art of the Edge: A Guide to Countertop Edge Styles
Located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, our luxury kitchen remodeling company is dedicated to providing homeowners with the finest in kitchen design and materials. One of the key elements in any kitchen design is the countertop edge style. A countertop edge can dramatically change the look and feel of a kitchen, making it essential to choose the right one for your space. In this article, we will explore the different countertop edge styles, their unique characteristics, and their ideal applications.
Your countertop is one of the most used items in the kitchen. In comparison to all of the other decisions that are made during home remodeling, choosing your countertop edge may not seem high on the list of functionally important items, but it should be.
In addition to countertop material, the edge will affect daily functionality. There are numerous countertop edges; we’ve listed the the most common countertop edges below and the pros and cons to each.
¶Common Countertop Edge Styles
- Squared: The boring name of this countertop edge is deceptive since the squared edge works in almost all design styles. Edges are not sharpened to a point in this style since they would be sharp and prone to chipping. Instead the corners are fabricated with small cuts, called
kerfs, that slightly soften the corners to make the countertop safer.
- Eased Edge: The squared edge with “eased” corners is an excellent edge for the simple lines of a contemporary design. This edge also gives counters a thicker look. Since the edges are still pointed, spills will drip onto the floor, but the edge is very easy to clean.
- Beveled: This edge features a flattened corner at approximately a 45 degree angle. The bottom corner comes to a point, which means spillage will drop to the floor. The beveled edge is easy to clean and compliments contemporary designs.
The Beveled edge presents an angular cut along the top edge of the countertop. This modern edge style gives a sharp and sophisticated appearance to any kitchen. It's an excellent choice for contemporary kitchens and those looking to add a touch of geometric flair.
- Mitered: This edge is assembled from two pieces. Typically, a standard-sized countertop is wrapped with a thicker frame around the sides. The intention is to give a standard-sized countertop the thicker look without adding extra weight. The mitered edge is a good fit for both traditional and contemporary designs.
- Bullnose: This rough-named edge of this countertop gives a soft touch to any design. The edge is rounded from top to bottom making cleaning mildly challenging since crumbs can stick to the curved edge. The rounded edge goes to the bottom which prevents spills from dripping onto the floor, instead it directs them to run down cabinet fronts. This countertop edge is ideal for a kitchen with small children, though, because of the rounded edge on the bottom.
The Bullnose edge is characterized by its smooth, rounded profile. This classic edge style is perfect for homeowners looking for a timeless and elegant look. Its gentle curve offers a safe edge, especially in homes with young children, reducing the risk of accidental bumps.
- Ogee Edge: The Ogee edge is defined by its distinctive S-shaped curve. A blend of classic and ornate, the Ogee edge is perfect for traditional kitchens and those looking to add a touch of elegance and intricacy. It's often seen in luxury homes and is a favorite among homeowners looking for a more decorative edge style.
- Straight Edge: As the name suggests, the Straight edge offers a crisp, clean vertical edge. This versatile edge style can fit into any kitchen design, be it modern or traditional. It's the go-to choice for homeowners looking for a minimalist and straightforward look.
¶Professional Designer Kitchens
Once you’ve chosen a countertop edge, discuss it with our designers to ensure you like the surface you’ll use for years to come. For more insights and to explore our range of luxury kitchen designs, visit our showroom or contact our dedicated team today!
