When to choose light or dark countertops (or both)
- Jack Barron
- May 12
- 6 min read
When it comes to countertops, there are countless options for materials, colors, styles, and so much more. Even the same stone can be crafted in so many different ways that it can seem entirely new.
No matter whether you choose granite, quartz, marble, or another stone, one of the most common design choices is between light and dark countertops. Are you looking for a countertop that is a statement piece, or would you like a more classic look?
We’ll answer that question as we look at some of our favorite past projects. We hope that this design inspiration can help you when picking a slab for your next project! Here’s what we’ll cover in this post:
1. Light countertops
Light countertops can look great in bright kitchens with lots of natural light, modern kitchens, and those with certain-colored cabinets. To help explain when to choose this style, we’re going to highlight a project of ours that exemplifies this design choice.
Featured in this beautiful kitchen is MSI Q Quartz Solitaj. This space has plenty of natural light with large windows and a skylight that lets tons of natural light pour in.
Sometimes, understated white countertops can be the best choice for spaces like this. With so many light accents and natural light, the light countertop can be a natural continuation of the space instead of one that disrupts the flow of the room.
It is also worth noting that countertop choice can depend on what cabinets you want. In the above image, the mix of white and lighter wood cabinets brightens up the space. The same could not be said for, say, black or green cabinets that give off a different feel.
In the previously mentioned kitchen, dark countertops may not pair well with the lighter wood accents that define this space. Let’s take a look at another project to see more uses for light countertops.
This project features MSI’s quartzite Cristallo, a more detailed slab with plenty of pop. Once again, this kitchen is beautiful as the white cabinets let the countertop and backsplash steal the show.
The understated appliances and other accents bring your attention to the impressive details of the slab throughout the large island and that amazing backsplash. We think that light countertops were a great choice for this kitchen, as it brightens up a space that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, reaching past the wall of the bar to the right.
The light countertop also does a great job reflecting light around the kitchen. You can see this in how the countertop soaks up the lighting under the cabinets and appears visibly brighter and more detailed.
This third project features MSI Q Quartz Calacatta Valentin. Just like that other project, this one has a warm and clean look with the matching light countertops and white cabinets.
We think the accent lights above and below the cabinets add some great light to a space that doesn’t get much natural sunlight. While we did say that light countertops can be great for well-lit spaces, this countertop is proof that light slabs can really make a space pop.
When building your kitchen, take a minute to envision what style you want, how much light comes in from the windows, and if you are looking for a traditional or more outside-the-box appearance. Luckily, our sales team knows countertop trends and interior design principles in and out and would be a great help!
2. Dark countertops
Just like light countertops, there are so many options when it comes to darker slabs. Let’s take a look at some of the best use cases of dark countertops.
This first project was made with quartzite Soapstone. I know what you might be thinking. Aren’t light countertops better to pair with light cabinets? While that can sometimes be the case, I think that this kitchen exemplifies when a contrasting approach is better.
Take a peek at this kitchen. The first thing that might stand out to you is the stark contrast between the countertops and the cabinets. That black and white look is complemented by the accent colors and the appliances. That special black cabinet with the mirrors ties together the black and white tones by stretching it to the ceiling, instead of leaving the dark countertop as a line all alone, cutting the white cabinets in half.
Not to mention, this dark countertop looks so good in this space because of the kitchen’s style. Dark countertops can often be the best choice for modern and farmhouse styles. In this case, the farmhouse-style kitchen needs something to anchor it with the white cabinets and the rustic tones. The dark countertop does this to perfection by bringing needed contrast into the space.
Another great example of a dark countertop is this beautiful kitchen. Once again, the dark countertop contrasts with the lighter white and green tones found in the backsplash and cabinets.
More than anything, this kitchen demonstrates the ability of darker countertops to pair well with more unique design choices. When looking at this kitchen, the copper sinks and vent hood really steal the show. Not to mention the custom wood piece inserted into the island.
Between these, that backsplash, and so much more, the kitchen would feel very busy if an incredibly bright or detailed countertop style were chosen. It is hard to imagine how someone could mix together wood, copper, tile, and white tones together with a lighter countertop. In my opinion, this would make the space far too busy as your eyes would be drawn to a billion different colors, designs, and patterns all at once.
So, it’s clear that there are some cases in which dark countertops look more visually appealing than lighter ones. Sometimes, your kitchen’s style can dictate what looks best. A farmhouse-style kitchen may benefit from dark countertops as they provide a stunning anchor to the space.
Before making the ultimate decision, it is worth noting another potential choice.
3. When to combine the two
While I know we’ve been discussing choosing either light or dark countertops, there are instances when a combination of the two can look great. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, take a look at this project of ours.
We’re a little biased, but we think this kitchen turned out great. This kitchen combines some of the best use cases for light and dark countertops into the same space.
For instance, there is plenty of natural light streaming in from the left, which brings out the detail in the light countertop while illuminating the dark one. The combination of black and wood cabinets brings plenty of contrast to a space dominated by white and black.
The layout choice of a dark island and a light countertop and backsplash is one we applaud. If the light countertop were swapped for a dark slab, there wouldn’t be much of any contrast between the cabinets, the countertops, and the rest of the space. If this were done, the light island would leave the contrasting bit stranded from the other three main elements of this space, and it just might not look good.
4. The ultimate choice
With so much to choose from and so many design considerations to take into account, it may seem daunting to make a decision that’ll go down in stone. We know you want to get your kitchen right and have a finished space you love, and that’s why I recommend speaking to someone on our sales team.
They know the ins and outs of countertops, design trends, and just what looks good after working with countless clients on different projects. Trust me when I say they are your best friend when it comes to picking a countertop. There’s nothing they haven’t seen or thought of when it comes to countertops.
Ultimately, the choice is yours when it comes to your countertops. After all, the kitchen is the one you will be cooking in and making coffee in.
Maybe you are after an eye-popping countertop to serve as the centerpiece of the space. Maybe you’re after clean lines and a modern look. Maybe that farmhouse style is right up your alley. There are so many options when it comes to countertops, and we hope you walk away happy with the one you chose.
5. More countertop resources
To learn more about the countertop process, different types of stones, and other important things to know, please feel free to read any of our other blog posts.
If you have any other lingering questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help. We’re here for you!
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