Consider a black granite with faint white vein lines for a hint of luxury in your kitchen, and pair it with crisp, black subway tile. This will add a touch of contrast to a kitchen bathed in black with leather accents. The glossy finish of the countertops has abounding appeal, creating a high-end and lavish scene.
The Truth About Black Countertops from Design Experts: Regret or Reward?
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Published: February 18, 2024
Updated: January 2, 2024
A necessity and a nuisance, countertops can be detrimental to the success of a kitchen design. It is the surface with which appliances are stored, food is prepared, and a kitchen is decorated. As such, the space above and below your countertops involves critical decision-making and should be handled carefully. We asked our favorite interior designers and readers about the feasibility of black countertops and the materials with which they’re composed, and not surprisingly, there were many opinions to share.
Overall, the most recurring thought was that cleanliness is the biggest priority. Black is a bold color, and when it acts as a canvas, it will show any material that is lighter in shade, whether crumbs, dust, oils, or scratches. Our contributors want you to be fully aware that black countertops are a commitment, but they are equally stunning. As with most high-quality things in life, you love what you care for, and you care for what you love.
02 of Shiny Black Granite
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Much like the photograph above, this is an example of a shiny black slab that creates an almost invisible line between a black convection oven and the polished countertops. All black is perfect if you want a seamless and fresh look, but Gina warns, “Don’t do shiny! Every dust particle and fingerprint shows.” If this little-known fact is something that would bother you, a matte option may be more fitting.
03 of Multi-colored Black Stone
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When you like the darker undertones of black granite but are committed to a fresh design, you can mix it up with a textured stone. Contributor Lacy describes her countertop collection as “shiny granite, and it has a mix of gray, black, and white.” You can expect a similar look to what is shown here, which vibes well with cream cabinets and a farmhouse aesthetic.
“Black countertops and off-white cabinets are a classic combination that is both elegant and timeless,” interior designer Ellen Matthews notes. “The white cabinets help to brighten up the space and make the black countertops stand out,” Matthews adds.
04 of Speckled Black and Brown Counters
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Granite is so beautiful because of its versatility. This speckled black and brown stone is composed of similar colors to the image shown above, but the overall effect is entirely different. The black glossy finish is amplified by the subtle specks, but be aware that this texture, in particular, can “hide things that you don’t want to hide,” in the words of reader Megan. Be sure to get down at all angles to ensure the counter is sufficiently clean after a day of cooking and eating.
“While black countertops can impart an elegant and rich aesthetic to a kitchen, practical considerations come into play,” says interior designer Neha Kaimal. “In a high-traffic area like the kitchen, black surfaces tend to highlight watermarks and stains, making it challenging to maintain a consistently clean appearance,” Kaimal warns.
05 of Dark Soapstone
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Granite has been known for years as a high-end kitchen feature, but what about the undiscovered world of soapstone? Both authentic and gorgeous, soapstone doesn’t stain as easily as granite and involves different care procedures. Designer Andi, who is familiar with both products, explains regarding soapstone, “You have to oil it instead of seal it.” The matte finish gives a soft aesthetic to this cottage-inspired kitchen.
06 of Glossy Solid Black Quartz
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A glossy, solid black quartz is an impeccable choice above creamy white cabinets, as long as you are committed to keeping them clean. The material was thoughtfully chosen to coincide with the vintage range and oven. Yet another example of their feasibility, Lindsey warns, “I had black countertops, but they only looked good when they were spotless.” Shiny black will always require a homeowner committed to wiping them down after every meal.
07 of Black Formica
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Formica, a type of laminate countertops known for its quality cuts and pliability, is an idyllic pairing to white countertops with nickel hardware. Intended to look like stone without the unnecessary weight and upkeep, a dark gray Formica can give the appearance of soapstone without the price tag. In addition, the sheen lies somewhere between a gloss and a matte, effectively hiding fingerprints.
08 of Dark Gray Butcher Block
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Consider staining a butcher block countertop in a dark gray hue for an original take on dark countertops. Typically, wood countertops would exude warmer tones in a kitchen with cool, white cabinets, but if you want to go for a modern look that is a little more sleek, a gray stain that exposes the grain of the wood can work wonders. With this look, it is essential to restain every few years and limit the amount of water that touches the surface for longevity.
09 of Shiny Quartz
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Quartz is similar to granite, but it’s an engineered stone far more resilient and with an identical glossy finish. This black slab may look pristine, but it may require a second thought if you’re anything like homeowner Carrie and cherish a clean kitchen. She claims, “I can’t stand how dirty they always look,” which is especially pertinent in a room exposed to a lot of direct sunlight.
10 of Black Quartz With Silvery Specks
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On a positive note, designer Jody explains how she has a very similar stone to the silvery-speckled quartz shown here. “I love it,” she writes. “It’s called Stellar Nights. No issues with marks or streaks.” A busier pattern is efficient at covering dust particles, crumbs, and grease marks that a solid stone would show, which is quite helpful to those who love this black-and-white aesthetic.
11 of Speckled Laminate
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Laminate comes in many patterns and colors, including dark gray with petite white speckles. This design will add a bit of texture to an otherwise smooth surface. Water resistant and affordable, laminate is great for kitchens with a lot of foot traffic or homes susceptible to multiple tenants, like a rental property.
12 of Concrete Countertops
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One countertop material that hasn’t been discussed is concrete. Concrete is very heavy but durable and is not limited to the soft gray tones used on sidewalks. They can be made in black or dark gray with a soft, smooth finish. It will not etch like marble and doesn’t scratch like granite or quartz. This utilitarian option works gorgeously in a minimalistic or modern kitchen.
13 of Matte Black Laminate
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Laminate countertops dominated kitchens for years due to their practicality, affordability, and durability, but they have recently been deemed unworthy of luxurious kitchen renovations. We say don’t knock it as an option because, unlike granite and soapstone, it requires much less care. No matter the material, black is a phenomenal choice, and homeowner Chitra suggests choosing a matte finish as “shiny is a bit dated.” There are so many quality countertop options that won’t break the bank. With the right appliances and backsplash, granite, marble soapstone, quartz, laminate, concrete, and butcherblock can look equally amazing. They can be a hassle to keep clean, but with the right mindset, this is a look you can love for years to come.
