If you want to make a kitchen that’s uniquely your own, you have to pay attention to the little details. Among these details is your choice of countertop edge. The first step to choosing the right one for your kitchen is, of course, getting to know what the differences between each type of edge are. This article aims to help you learn more about them.
There are many different types of countertop edges available, from the simplest and most basic to detailed edges that bear your own personal design. To that end, we’ll cover only the most popular and widely used edge types.
Square, Eased, and Beveled – A basic 3 cm square edge for a countertop is the go-to edge for those who want to keep things simple and uncluttered. It works best for putting the spotlight on the countertop material itself as there’s no extra detailing that competes for attention.
Other similar edges that work well with minimalist and contemporary kitchen designs include straight, waterfall, eased, and beveled. These edge profiles also work well with traditional American and transitional kitchen designs such as Arts & Crafts, Craftsman, and Mission.
Waterfall edges feature a larger bevel on the top edge compared to the one on the bottom edge. Eased edges feature a slightly eased edge and rounded corners, making them a bit safer as there are no sharp corners. Beveled edges, on the other hand, have sharper edges but make countertops very easy to keep clean. Their sleek and angled look make beveled edges a favorite in contemporary kitchen designs.
Bullnose – Fully rounded countertop edges are often called bullnose edges. It’s a timeless classic well suited for use in traditional kitchens, although it is flexible enough to look great in any design style – especially when used in stone countertops as it gives the hard material a softer look.
Since it’s fully rounded, a countertop with a bullnose edge is easy to keep clean. There are no extra details or grooves that may trap food particles or dust. The lack of sharp edges means that it’s easy on the elbows and is perfect for households where children are present.
There are also edges called demi-bullnose. Similar to the waterfall edge, the demi-bullnose is rounded only at the top edge and has a sharp edge on the bottom.
Ogee – Of the edges listed here, the ogee edge is the most naturally intricate when it comes to detailing. This characteristic makes it best suited for use in traditional kitchens. Ogee edges usually have two curves, although some manufacturers do have products with more. Its elegance is usually put to best use when paired with granite and marble countertops.
The presence of curves and grooves means that an ogee edge is harder to clean. Despite that, the rounded edges make this countertop edge style very comfortable to lean on. If you want to keep your countertop from looking like a giant slab of stone, the ogee edge is the perfect choice as it can give your countertop the illusion of thinness.
Ogee edges, along with other decorative edge types such as Dupont and French Cove, are most often used with design styles that place an emphasis on detail. They feel perfectly at home in Old World styles such as Tuscan and Victorian. Of course, you can also do the opposite and use a decorative edge as a focal point and singular source of detail in an otherwise sleek contemporary design.
As we mentioned before, the edges listed above are a mere handful of the many different edges you can add to your countertop. If you have room for it in your budget, some manufacturers and craftsmen will make countertop edges according to your design and specifications. Of course, you have to remember that the more detailed the edge, the more expensive it will likely be.