What Type Of Countertop Edge Is Best For A Modern Kitchen?

Modern interiors are marked by clean, sleek lines for nearly all elements of the design. Whether the home leans ultra-modern or has a modern-contemporary interior design, sticking to straight lines is the best way to convey the style, especially in the little details. When it comes to designing a kitchen, many homeowners are often focused on colors and materials. However, small details like the edge of the countertop can make a big impact. So, if you're designing a modern kitchen, you'll want to stick with countertop edges that are straight and sleek, such as the square edge.

As the name implies, square-edged countertops have 90-degree corners that form sleek, straight edges. These look simple and clean, a hallmark of the modern interior. Square edges are often used in luxury homes, so they can make a space look more expensive. Though they work well with a modern kitchen, the simplicity of a square edge allows it to work with a variety of styles. Square edges are also one of the most inexpensive edge options, so they're also ideal if you're renovating on a budget. And because it's an uncomplicated design, you can add square edges to most countertop materials.

Straight edges are often the standard when it comes to countertop edges. The timeless finish works well in a modern kitchen because it's clean and classic. The unfussy edge also allows other features of the kitchen to take center stage, not drawing too much attention away from elements like the cabinets or the backsplash tile. That's not to say that the counters will fade into the background, as many materials can be a statement feature of the room. But you won't have to worry about how the edge of your counters will look against cabinet door styles or placed next to cabinet pulls.

The simple edge also calls for little maintenance. Without grooves and curves, cleaning is a breeze. If anything spills, it will most likely drip onto the floor rather than trickle to the underside of the counters. However, the sharp edges can be more prone to chipping, so they may not be the best choice for busy kitchens. Something heavy hitting the edge can cause part of the counter to chip or break. The 90-degree corners are sharp, so people should take caution around these counter edges.

If you're designing a modern kitchen, square, straight edges aren't your only option. As stated, a straight edge can be sharp, posing a safety risk to children who may be right at eye level with the counter. If your home has small children or a high-trafficked kitchen, eased edges might be right for you because they have slightly rounded corners. Counters with eased edges still look sleek and straight but aren't as sharp as their counterpart, so they won't hurt as much if they're run into. This means they'll work well in a modern kitchen and a home with children. They're also less susceptible to chips, so they're great for busy kitchens as well.

Another option for modern kitchens is mitered edges, which most homeowners know as a waterfall counter. This involves two cabinet slabs where two edges are cut at a 45-degree angle and come together at a 90-degree angle. Mitered countertop edge styles and waterfall counters create a stunning statement in the kitchen and are usually used on an island or as a finishing touch on the edge of a run of cabinets. You can also use mitered edges to create a countertop that looks extra thick if you want to make your counters more of a focal point. Mitered edges look luxurious and contemporary, and though they are slightly more expensive, the sleek and bold look they add to a room is often considered well worth it.