Bright countertops in the kitchen: an overview of species and beautiful examples

When choosing a kitchen set, special attention should be paid to a beautiful combination of facades and countertops. Many buyers today prefer light colors, and this is not surprising, because they have many advantages. Consider the varieties of materials and design of such countertops, and also figure out how to choose the right option.

Bright countertops have many advantages.

• Optical effect. A kitchen set with a light countertop is ideal for arranging a small room. Due to the ability to reflect light, the surface visually expands the space. In addition, in such a room is always lighter.
• Beauty. In a spacious kitchen, light colors can be used to create a spectacular interior composition. Neutral white or beige color can advantageously emphasize the details of an interesting apron. And against the background of contrasting cabinets, the light surface itself will look very expressive.
• Creating an atmosphere. A white countertop creates a cool effect even on the hottest day, which seems very pleasant to many. Those who like warmth can choose a beige tone that will give a feeling of coziness and maximum comfort. At the same time, any light shades adjust those present to calm and emotional balance. During the preparation of culinary masterpieces, they do not distract from the process, allow you to concentrate. In other periods, they create the illusion of perfect cleanliness and order in the kitchen, which makes tea drinking and eating moments in the room extremely enjoyable.
• Universality. Light colors blend perfectly with any kitchen furniture, suitable for all interior styles. White color perfectly emphasizes the laconicism of minimalism and hi-tech. Snow-white surfaces are also characteristic of Provence. The elegance of the classics and the beauty of Art Nouveau perfectly reflect the beige tones. At the same time, the headset itself can have any shade. Choose the perfect combination is not difficult.
• Practicality. Some people think that the surfaces of white, milky and other similar tones are not very practical, but this is not so. Of course, a glossy snow-white countertop will have to be carefully looked after. But if you choose a matte finish with a pattern (for example, the effect of a granite surface), then you will notice that fingerprints and traces of water accidentally falling on the table are almost invisible.

It will also be fair to mention the disadvantages of choosing a light shade countertop.

• The need for contrast. For a kitchen with a light countertop to look spectacular, it is necessary to include a contrasting shade in the design. It can be a dark or bright color of cabinets or an expressively designed apron. Otherwise, the composition will be “blurry”. Elements will lose clarity of form and merge into one spot. So even the most beautiful and expensive set can lose its attractiveness, and in the case of using white color, you can even create a feeling of hospital sterility.
• The need for delicate care. Although limescale deposits from water are less noticeable (compared to dark ones) on light surfaces, a dark spot on such a countertop can ruin the whole look. Therefore, there is a need for daily care. In this case, it is better not to use hard sponges, abrasive products and preparations with acids.
• Fragility. Some low-quality materials change color over time (darken, turn yellow). This may adversely affect the appearance of the headset.

This is budget stuff. The color scheme is diverse, imitation of the textures of natural materials (stone, wood) is possible. The polymer covering the laminated board provides its relative strength and wear resistance. However, such surfaces are vulnerable to moisture and heat. They often swell, lose color. Stains from red wine, coffee and other coloring substances from such countertops are usually removed with difficulty. In addition, it is worth remembering that before installation, the product must be ventilated for about 5 days, since formaldehydes are used in the production.

This material is also laminated and takes on various shades. MDF worktops do not like water, can not boast of heat resistance. However, unlike particleboard, they do not emit resins harmful to humans. In addition, the strength and dye resistance of such products is much higher.

Acrylic allows you to get a beautiful surface of any shape and size without joints and seams. It is environmentally friendly, safe for humans, ideal for the implementation of unusual design projects. The material allows you to get any shade, perfectly imitates a stone surface. At the same time, it is pleasant to the touch and not at all cold. Among the shortcomings of the material, it is worth noting vulnerability to sharp objects (scratches appear), the influence of coloring substances. If something has spilled onto such a countertop, it is recommended to immediately wipe it, otherwise it will be difficult to remove the stain. Acrylic also has a low level of heat resistance and is expensive.

Agglomerate (quartz) - a material that is 90% composed of marble or granite chips. Its cost is even higher. But such countertops are resistant to high temperatures, acid and coloring matter. They are hygienic, strong and durable, do not wipe and do not lose their presentability for a long time.The only caveat - in the event of a chip, it will be difficult to repair such a countertop (in contrast to acrylic products). But according to statistics, such breakdowns are very rare, so the advantages, undoubtedly, outweigh.

Natural stone countertops look very solid. Granite is resistant to household chemicals, mechanical stress, moisture and high temperature. However, it should be protected from the appearance of spots. As for marble, its natural beauty conquers many. At the same time, the stone is unstable to dyes, and if you put something hot on it, a yellow spot may appear.

Beige wooden countertops create an atmosphere of special comfort and warmth in the house. They are durable, do not absorb odors, and can be resistant to moisture when properly processed. At the same time, the tree should be protected from hot objects, dyes, and the effects of sharp tools. It is also worth remembering that in conditions of constant accumulation of moisture in some places, the material may be susceptible to the appearance of fungi, and with frequent changes in the microclimate, it may dry out or sag.

Obviously, each of the options has its pros and cons. However, if you carefully treat the kitchen set, prevent moisture from accumulating on the countertop, wipe it regularly, use cutting boards and special stands for hot dishes, any of them can be a good choice. It should only be noted that monumental natural stone products are more appropriate in spacious kitchens. For a small room, it is better to choose an easier option.

Design options for light countertops are diverse. You can choose a surface of a pure uniform shade (white, milky, beige, light gray, etc.). In this case, the coating can be either matte or glossy. Typically, this design is chosen for the design of modern kitchens, although it is relevant for neoclassicism.

The wood texture of various shades of beige is another option. It is chosen by people who prefer simple furniture. A light wooden surface or imitation of this material is appropriate in a room decorated in Provencal or Scandinavian style. It is suitable for elegant classic models.

There are interesting options with a small or large “stone-like” pattern. Usually it is marble, granite, royal opal or their imitation. On such a countertop, scratches and small spots are less noticeable. The solid beauty of the stone fits well into the rich classic interior, however, if you wish, you can correctly include such a design in a modern set.

But that is not all. Modern manufacturers also offer coatings for the work surface with sparkles. This option may appeal to the female gender, although before ordering you should still carefully consider your decision.

Often, the tone of the countertops is selected taking into account the shade of the floor or walls (in the case of beige tones). A good option is to choose the color of the top for other furniture (for example, a snow-white dining table will make a perfect pair of the same headset details). Sometimes this part is made to match the facades of the cabinets. A completely snow-white or beige kitchen will look light, elegant and weightless. However, as already mentioned, in this case it is necessary to make an apron of a different color so that the lines remain clear and expressive.

Many modern kitchens include two colors (lower and upper rows). In this case, you can choose a countertop for one of these shades (for example, black lower cabinets, white upper elements and a snow-white tabletop). Thus, a harmonious and balanced composition is obtained.

Sometimes the countertop is made the same color with an apron. The latter as a result visually forms a single whole with the working surface, which can look very harmonious. For example, this technique can be used to visually “lighten” a dark massive headset.

And of course, when choosing the tone of the countertops, the shade of the facades is taken into account. As a rule, cream, beige tones are chosen to warm shades of brown, as well as to furniture with a wood texture. Of course, no one forbids making a snow-white top for such a headset. However, it is better that the brown tone in this case is cold (a shade of dark chocolate or “coffee with milk” with a grayish tint).

The depth of black is perfectly emphasized by a dazzling whiteness. This is one of the most luxurious modern combinations that looks stylish and expensive. In the case of a gray headset, such a choice is also obvious. Bright tones (blue, violet, red, green, orange, yellow, burgundy) look combined with white color no less spectacularly. Very gentle are white-beige, white-blue combinations.

Elegant classics, accented by snow-white furniture, captivates with luxury and grace.

The color of wenge is effectively shaded by light tones - a strict, but attractive option.

White and blue gamut fits perfectly into the aesthetics of Provence.

A red and white headset is a bold choice for energetic people.

Green color creates an atmosphere of summer freshness in the kitchen. Photo printing on the facade adds a twist to the interior.

See how to choose the right countertop for your kitchen in the next video.