countertop edge types

If you’re getting ready to start a kitchen or bathroom renovation, and need to choose a countertop edge profile, this post is for you! Choosing the right countertop edge profile is an important decision that can significantly affect both the look and function of your space. The countertop edge style you choose should coordinate with other design elements in the room to create a cohesive aesthetic. From sharp edges to a gentle curve, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about countertop edge types, so you can make the best choice for your home.

Types of Countertop Edge Profiles

Countertop edges come in a wide variety of styles, each with its own look, feel, and practical considerations. Here are the most popular countertop edge styles, with descriptions for each below:

countertop edge types

1. Square Edge

A square edge is a flat, 90-degree edge that creates a sleek appearance and more modern look. It’s perfect for quartz countertops or other solid surfaces, and the clean lines make it a favorite for contemporary kitchen designs. However, square edges can have sharp corners that are prone to chipping on natural stone countertops like granite or marble. Those sharp edges aren’t a great choice for families with small children either.  

  • Best for: Modern and minimalist kitchens
  • Considerations: Can be prone to chipping; avoid if you have young children or pets.

2. Eased Edge

An eased edge is similar to the square edge but with slightly softened corners, creating a more user-friendly profile. This edge style still gives you a crisp, modern look but without the sharpness and safety concerns of a full square edge. An eased edge works well for kitchen countertops in both traditional and modern spaces, making it one of the most popular edge profiles today.

  • Best for: Transitional and modern kitchens or homes with small children
  • Current trend: Eased edges remain a popular choice for those seeking a modern look without sacrificing safety.
eased edge countertop edge types
Source: Nelson Tile & Stone

3. Full Bullnose Edge

A full bullnose edge is completely rounded on both the top and bottom, creating a smooth, curved profile. It is one of the safest edge profiles and a great choice for high-traffic kitchens or homes with children. Additionally, its rounded design makes it less likely to chip, particularly on natural stone like granite. Bullnose is a classic profile, but today’s trends favor more modern edge styles, like square or eased styles.

  • Best for: Family homes or traditional kitchens
  • Cleaning tip: Be mindful that spills can drip down the edge onto cabinets due to the curve.

4. Half Bullnose Edge

A half bullnose edge, or demi bullnose, has a rounded profile at the top but is squared off at the bottom. This profile offers a similar look and the same benefits as the full bullnose but with a sleeker look. Itโ€™s also a little easier to clean than the full bullnose, making it a great compromise between function and style.

  • Best for: Traditional, transitional, and family-friendly kitchens
  • Durability: Offers better spill management than full bullnose edges.
half bullnose countertop edge types
Source: House Digest

5. Beveled Edge

A beveled edge features a 45-degree angle cut along the top, creating a more detailed and distinctive look. It offers a modern, clean aesthetic while remaining easy to clean. There are several different options for beveled edges. You can choose a quarter or half bevel to customize the size of the angle on top, and you can select either a single bevel edge or a double bevel (on both the top and bottom edges) for added visual interest.

  • Best for: Modern or industrial-style kitchens
  • Current trend: Beveled edge countertops continue to be popular for their sleek look and compatibility with various countertop materials like quartz and laminate.
countertop edge types beveled edge quarter edge countertop
Source: Home Depot

6. Ogee Edge

The ogee edge features a beautiful S-shaped curve, often found in luxury kitchens and bathrooms with a traditional design style. It provides a more ornate look and is commonly used with natural stone countertops like marble or granite. While it adds an air of sophistication, it can be more expensive, and harder to clean (because spills can accumulate in the curves).

  • Best for: Traditional and classic kitchen designs and bathroomsย 
  • Considerations: Ogee edge countertops can have higher fabrication costs and are more difficult to keep clean.

7. Waterfall Edge

A waterfall edge extends the countertop material down the sides of the cabinets for a sleek, continuous look. This modern look is increasingly popular in high-end kitchens and works well with materials like quartz countertops and concrete.

  • Best for: Modern and contemporary kitchens, mainly used for kitchen island
  • Current trend: Waterfall edges are one of the hottest trends, adding an elegant, clean lookย to kitchen designs.

Choosing the Right Edge for Your Space

With so many different types of countertop edges, how do you choose the right one for your space? Here’s a few important factors to consider:

The Style of Your Kitchen

  • Modern kitchens: Opt for square edges, waterfall edges, or eased edges for clean lines.
  • Traditional kitchens: Choose more intricate profiles like ogee, beveled, or bullnose edges for a classic look.

Durability and Safety

  • Homes with young children: Bullnose and eased edges are ideal, as their rounded shapes reduce the likelihood of injury and chipping.
  • Hard-to-clean spaces: Simple edges like beveled or square edges are easier to wipe down than intricate profiles like ogee or a custom profile.

Countertop Material

  • Quartz countertops: Compatible with nearly any edge profile, including modern styles like waterfall or eased edges.
  • Laminate countertops: Options are more limited, but you can still achieve sleek edges with profiles like square edge or bullnose.
  • Natural stone countertops: Go for more rounded profiles like bullnose or eased to prevent chipping, or choose a custom or ogee edge for a touch of luxury.

FAQ

What is the best type of countertop edge?

The best countertop edge depends on your design preferences, material, and lifestyle. For a modern look, square edges and waterfall edges are popular. If you prefer a traditional style, go with a beveled, bullnose, or ogee edge.

What is the current trend on countertop edges?

Waterfall edges are a top trend for contemporary kitchens today, while eased edges are still a favorite for any style kitchen.

What is the least expensive countertop edge?

Simple profiles like square edges and eased edges are the least expensive, because they require less labor to fabricate.

What countertop edge is least likely to chip?

Rounded edges like bullnose and eased edges are least likely to chip, especially for materials like natural stone and quartz.

Final Thoughts

Beautiful countertops can be the perfect finishing touch to your dream kitchen or bathroom design. The edge of the countertops is a small but important design element that has an impact on the overall look of the space. By considering the style of your kitchen or bathroom, how you use the space, and the durability of different edge profiles, you can now confidently choose the right edge profile that gives you both the look and functionality you need.

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