Light countertops in the kitchen: an overview of types and beautiful examples

When choosing a set for the kitchen, 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 types of materials and design of such countertops, as well as figure out how to choose the right option.

Light colored countertops have many benefits.

• Optical effect. A kitchen set with a light worktop is ideal for arranging a small room. Due to the ability to reflect light, the surface visually expands the space. In addition, it is always brighter in such a room.
• The beauty. In a spacious kitchen, light colors can be used to create an effective interior composition. A neutral white or beige color can highlight the details of an interesting apron. And against the background of contrasting cabinets, the light surface itself will look very expressive.
• Creation of atmosphere. The white countertop creates a cool effect even on the hottest day, which many find very pleasant. Those who love warmth can choose a beige tone that will give a feeling of coziness and maximum comfort. At the same time, any light shades tune those present to calmness and emotional balance. During the preparation of culinary masterpieces, they do not distract from the process, they allow you to concentrate. At other times, they create the illusion of perfect cleanliness and order in the kitchen, which makes tea drinking and dining moments in the room extremely enjoyable.
• Versatility. Light colors go well 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 modernity are perfectly reflected in beige tones. In this case, the headset itself can have any shade. Finding the perfect combination is easy.
• Practicality. Some people think that surfaces of white, milky and other similar tones are not very practical, but this is not so. Of course, the 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 from accidentally falling on the table are almost invisible.

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

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

This is a budget material. The color scheme is varied, it is possible to imitate the textures of natural materials (stone, wood). The polymer covering the laminated board provides its relative strength and wear resistance. However, such surfaces are vulnerable to moisture and high temperatures. They often swell and lose color. Red wine, coffee and other stains from such countertops are usually difficult to remove. In addition, it is worth remembering that before installation, the product must be ventilated for about 5 days, since formaldehydes are used in production.

This material is also laminated and takes on various shades. MDF countertops do not like water and cannot boast of heat resistance. However, unlike chipboard, they do not emit resins harmful to humans. In addition, the indicators of strength and resistance to dyes in such products are 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, flawlessly 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 the vulnerability to sharp objects (scratches appear), the influence of dyes. If something is spilled on such a countertop, it is recommended to wipe it immediately, otherwise it will be difficult to remove the stain. Also, acrylic has a low level of heat resistance and is expensive.

Agglomerate (quartz) is a material that is 90% marble or granite chips. Its cost is even higher. But such countertops are resistant to high temperatures, acids and dyes. They are hygienic, strong and durable, do not wipe off and do not lose their presentability for a long time.The only caveat is that if a chip appears, it will be difficult to repair such a countertop (unlike 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 temperatures. However, it should be protected from stains. When it comes to 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 wood countertops create an atmosphere of special comfort and warmth in the house. They are durable, odorless, and can be moisture resistant if handled correctly. In this case, the tree should be protected from hot objects, dyes, exposure to sharp instruments. 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 own pros and cons. However, if you take good care of the kitchen set, prevent moisture from accumulating on the countertop, wipe it regularly, use cutting boards and special coasters 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 a simpler option.

The design options for light-colored countertops are varied. You can choose a surface in 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 also relevant for neoclassicism.

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

Variants with a small or large pattern "like a stone" are interesting. Usually it is marble, granite, royal opal or their imitation. On such a tabletop, 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 competently include such a design in a modern set.

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

Often the tone of the countertop is selected taking into account the shade of the floor or walls (in the case of beige tones). Not a bad option - matching the color of the top to other furniture (for example, a snow-white dining table will make a perfect pair of the same headset detail). Sometimes this part is made to match the facades of the lockers. A completely snow-white or beige kitchen will look light, graceful and weightless. However, as already mentioned, in this case it is necessary to make the apron of a different color so that the lines remain clear and expressive.

Many modern kitchens include two colors (bottom and top rows). In this case, you can match the countertop to one of these shades (for example, black base cabinets, white tops, and crisp white countertop). Thus, a harmonious and balanced composition is obtained.

Sometimes the countertop is made in the same color as the apron. As a result, the latter visually forms a single whole with the work surface, which can look very harmonious. For example, this technique can be used to visually "lighten" a dark massive typeface.

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

The depth of black is ideally emphasized by the dazzling whiteness. This is one of the most luxurious modern combinations that looks stylish and expensive. In the case of a gray headset, this choice is also obvious. Bright colors (blue, purple, red, green, orange, yellow, burgundy) look no less impressive in combination with white. White-beige, white-blue combinations are very delicate.

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

The color of wenge is effectively set off with light tones - a strict but attractive option.

The blue and white range fits perfectly into the aesthetics of Provence.

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

Green gives the kitchen an atmosphere of summer freshness. Photo printing on the facade adds zest to the interior.

For information on how to choose the right light countertop for the kitchen, see the next video.