When it comes to designing a kitchen, most people consider the basics — layout, cabinetry, appliances, countertops, backsplashes + maybe even a kitchen nook. Not to mention with all the design decisions that have to be made everyone wants to know… how long a kitchen remodel might take.

But what often gets overlooked in the midst of making so many decisions are the subtle details that enrich a home + really pull together a design — in this case we’re talking about countertop edges.

So, without further ado — let’s dive in + discuss countertops + edge types, shall we?

Countertops As A Feature or Focal Point In Your Bathroom

The kitchen isn’t the only place countertops can help dictate the emotionality of a space. Your bathroom is another room in your home where the focal point of your space, depending upon the design, can absolutely be the countertops.

Whether that’s waterfalling the ends of the vanity or creating integrated sinks countertops in your bathroom can play a big role.

And so, it’s obvious with everything that’s at stake — you want to get the countertop edges right. 

Types Of Countertops

When it comes to countertops — there’s a lot of materials to choose from depending on the look and feel that we’re after. And we know it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re unfamiliar with the specifics *wink* 

And this is relevant to countertop edges because not all countertop materials will work with all edge profiles.

SO! Before we dive deep into countertop edges, profiles, styles or customizing countertops to your needs — let’s take a quick look at the types of countertops we use most often with our clients + why they may be a perfect fit for your home. 

Quartz Countertops

We’ve talked extensively about our opinion on quartz countertops + why we love them over here. While they’re a man-made material (not a natural stone):

They’re antimicrobial, meaning they're non-porous.

They’re durable, like really—really durable.

They’re low-maintenance, like the kind that can simply be wiped with a rag and that’s it.

They’re good for the environment because there’s no invasive extraction process. 

Natural Stone Countertops

The natural stones we use on client projects are either marble or soapstone. Both create a subtle but elevated look to a space — you can truly feel the star power + the uniqueness + variation in natural stone countertops.

And while neither of these stones would we classify as low-maintenance, when properly taken care of, they are a desirable selection because of their timelessness.

Butcher Block Countertops

While we don’t typically recommend these countertops for kitchens or bathrooms because of the worn look that they get after use — we have used them in laundry rooms where the main functionality was to create a warm + inviting environment for folding laundry → everyone’s favorite task *wink*

Stainless Steel Countertops

While we don’t often use stainless steel countertops, in homes with an industrial aesthetic + where our clients love the look + feel they make sense. They’re about as durable + easy to clean as a countertop can come but when it comes to edge profiles they do have fabrication limitations.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops offer a ton of versatility — they can be left grey or tinted to. Not to mention, for edge profiles you can mould the countertop edges or the shape of the counters in general to create a specific look or feel.

Types Of Countertop Edges

Alas! We’ve made it to break down the types of countertop edges. While you’re probably most familiar with the straight edge or bullnose, countertop edges come in a variety of shapes and styles from ogee to cove edges to bevels.

Once we’ve determined the type of countertop for our clients home, we’re now considering IF it’s necessary for the edge type to provide any unexpected detail to the space.

Mitered Countertop Edge | Straight Countertop Edge | Pencil Countertop Edge

This countertop edge profile is mitered to create a flat face + a 90-degree “mitered” corner on the top + bottom.

Eased Countertop Edge

This countertop edge profile is nearly the exact same as a mitered edge but the 90-degree is just slightly curved. This is one of the most common edges because they look like a straight countertop edge BUT there’s subtle softness to it.

Full Bullnose Countertop Edge

A full bullnose countertop edge is completely rounded on top + bottom.

Half Bullnose Countertop Edge

A half bullnose countertop edge is exactly like it sounds, only rounded on half of the edge, the top half, while the bottom half remains eased. 

Beveled Countertop Edge

A beveled countertop edge has a 45-degree angle on the top edge. It’s often used because it’s so versatile as a complimentary edge profile.

Ogee Countertop Edge

A Ogee countertop edge which is a more transitional profile type looks like a half bullnose on the bottom with a concave section. 

Waterfall Countertop Edge

A waterfall countertop edge is a mitered edge that extends down the side of a cabinet or vanity to the floor — like a waterfall from the countertop surface to the floor.  

There are a ton of countertop edge types beyond these. From double raises, step half bullnoses to triple pencils — but most commonly, these are the types of elegant + simple countertop edges we use on our client projects.

Consider Profile + Countertop Edge Thickness.

The thickness of your countertop should coincide with the edge type you like. Not all countertop (or slab) thicknesses can account for all countertop edges. Moreover, even when they can accommodate it — does it work for your home?

Architectural Details to Consider

When we’re determining edge profiles for a client projects we’re considering the architectural details that are present in the rest of the home. How will the edge profile we select — feel with the rest of the decorative design elements of the home? 

From windows with valances or ceiling applications to cabinets + backsplashes having a clear understanding of how the edge profile that is selected for the countertops will feel in the space is critical to evoking the right emotion.

Good design isn’t in isolation, it’s focused on complimenting what’s already in existence. Sometimes that calls for a simple eased countertop edge while in other instances a double waterfall countertop edge commands the attention of a space.

Like anything in design, selecting the right countertop edge profile isn’t an isolated decision *wink* there’s a domino effect!

Well friend, there you have it...everything you need to know about countertop edges! And don’t forget, if you’re in the preliminary planning stages of your next project, let’s chat. 

Psst… You can also check out our FREE Video Course:4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home which, if you enjoyed these moments together, we know you will absolutely LOVE!