Experts say this detail can have a big impact in your kitchen or bathroom.

Courtesy Jenn Cameron Interiors

Key Takeaways

Marble, quartz, or granite?

As it turns out, that isnt the only question to ask whenremodeling a countertop.

Waterfall Edge island

Credit:Courtesy Jenn Cameron Interiors

After choosing a stone, some of the Souths top interior designers remind us to not overlook the details.

Specifically, they warn against falling into thecommon mistakeof ignoring the edges.

There are several kinds of countertop edges to choose fromeach offering a distinct stylistic and functional purpose.

countertop styles

Credit:Grace Canaan

“It’s the small details that matter,” says interior designerStephanie Abernathy.

Well, if you haven’t noticed them before, you sure will from here on out.

Bullnose Edge

Classic, rounded bullnose edges are an elegant countertop style well-suited for longevity.

Eased Edge

Eased Edge.Credit:Courtesy Stephanie Pohlman Designs

Interior designerJenn Cameronrecommends this punch in for family households with traditional design preferences.

“Theyre also great for families with young children if they are concerned about sharp edges.”

Other countertop edge styles are better suited to easy cleaning.

Cotton Mill Village House Kitchen with Marble-topped Island

Ogee Edge counter.Credit: Jonny Valiant; Styling: Elizabeth Demos

They are noted for their simplicity, timeless style, and easy-to-clean functionality.

“Eased edge is the most simple and easy to clean.

Most of my clients have families so that is important to them,” Pohlman says.

Waterfall edge island

Waterfall Edge.Credit:Courtesy Jenn Cameron Interiors

It’s just very simple and pretty practical."

Abernathy agrees that eased edge countertops are a classic style.

“When used in 2-centimeter [thickness], they remind us most of beautiful antique furniture.”

Raw Edge

Raw Edge.Credit:Lauren Chambers; Design by Stephanie Abernathy for Studio Wellington

Half Bullnose Edge

A half bullnose edge can be identified by its gentle curve.

Ogee Edge

This more decorative style takes on an S-shaped profile marked by two curves in thecountertopedge.

“An ogee edge is dramatic,” Cameron says.

“I would verify to keep other elements in the kitchen more simple to balance it.”

Waterfall Edge

“I love waterfall edges,” Pohlman says.

“It’s a very modern look.”

Rather than ending like a tabletop, waterfall edges round over and continue down to the floor.

So this style is usually better suited for big kitchens that have modern designs and ample storage.

“However, waterfall edges can still feel classical if paired with the right cabinetry style.”

Designers note that mitered edges are the way to go for a high-end, modern, and clean look.

Characterized by its rough, lived-in appearance, this style evokes natural beauty.

Note that these edges are not literally “raw” but thoughtfully chiseled to achieve this look.

Bevel edges feature a 45-degree angle that packs a big punch.

Pohlman shares that this jot down is edgyboth in style and sharpness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eased edges are the most popularas well as designers' go-to.

Cameron, Abernathy, and Pohlman all rank this style as their No.

1 choice, with mitered and waterfall edges tied for second, especially when they want some extra pizazz.

“Yes, definitely,” says Cameron.

“In fact, it makes the space more interesting!”

Across rooms, there’s no need to stick to just one style.

Your kitchen countertops can totally have a different edging than those in your bathroom.

For example, mitered edges are not ideal for every pop in of stone.

Quartzite, especially more crystallized quartzites, don’t tend to miter well, according to Abernathy.

Clean your countertopedge the same as you would the rest of the counter.

The necessary maintenance is determined more by the bang out of stone than the edge style.

Technically yes, but it’s not so easy or economical.

Consult a counter fabrication expert to inquire about your specific countertop’s possibilities.