A black kitchen countertop is a bold and timeless choice. Their dramatic dark hue makes them go with almost any color scheme. But that certainly isn’t their only impressive quality.
One of the huge benefits of black kitchen countertops is that they are difficult to stain, so they tend to be a little more long-wearing than other colors. Additionally, they come in a wide range of prices, materials, finishes, and cuts.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast on a budget, you may be naturally drawn to pouring your own black concrete countertop. Or, for a quick fix, revamping your existing countertops with black marble contact paper (like the tutorial linked in #23 below). Craving some shine and glimmer? Then professionally installed black quartz with a polished finish may be the right call for you.
No matter what you choose, I highly suggest bringing the countertop samples home and looking at them in the light of your kitchen—they may look a lot different than they did in the showroom. But in the meantime, scroll through these inspiring black kitchen countertops to see just how sleek and awe-worthy they can be. You know what they say: Once you go black, you never go back!
An all-black kitchen with a dark and dramatic countertop has the potential to be full of depth and allure. To ensure a darker color palette doesn’t feel drabby, be sure there is plenty of light flowing through the space. Natural light is always amazing, but other options like pendant lights, sconces, and pot lights shouldn’t be overlooked. Adding a handful of lighter-colored accents also never hurts to incorporate contrast.
When in doubt, a large potted plant or greenery in a vase can offset a black kitchen countertop nicely.
If you’re going for a bold contrast, pair white cabinets with a solid black kitchen countertop. A great example is this granite counter with minimal veins and color variation. However, one thing to consider about a solid black counter is that it is more prone to show soap film and fingerprints. So if you don’t like to frequently wipe your countertops or have tots running around with sticky hands, you may want to try something with more color variation.
Here glossy lacquered cabinets contrast the matte countertops not just in color but also in finish. While matte countertops that are honed or leathered won’t get smudged or show streaks, polished finishes (like the next pick on the list) are easier to wipe down and keep clean.
A black granite countertop with white veins is used in this transitional kitchen. One of the big benefits of granite is that it resists scratches and daily wear well. But it does require an occasional sealant to keep it stain resistant.
Pair a black countertop with black bottom cabinets and lighter upper cabinets, walls, or shelves to create a color-blocked look. It has a very bold and dynamic aesthetic that is sure to turn a few heads.
Installing a black countertop in a white-walled kitchen can offer a very elegant and poignant look—especially when you use metallic accents to offset the neutral tones. While silver feels more contemporary, gold and brass have an undeniable glam factor.
Try pairing black kitchen countertops with an oversized metallic range hood in a minimal kitchen. It is a fabulous way to strike a mix of beauty and function.
To make a rangehood stand out, carry the countertop up the wall as this chic kitchen did.
An undermount sink is perfect for when you want your black countertops to be a focal point. Something else you may want to consider is low-back or backless bar stools if you have an island or peninsula that you don’t want to overpower.
Carrying your counter over the edge of your counter will cost you more, but the effect is absolutely mesmerizing. This kitchen uses quartzite, which is a mid-price countertop material that is non-porous and easy to care for. However, if you’re looking for something cheaper, granite or concrete are good options.
White veining can also be found in black soapstone countertops. Soapstone countertops are naturally stain-resistant, non-porous, and require no sealant. Since they are softer, they are also easier to cut. However, this also means they are more susceptible to scratches and dents.
For kitchens where black and white are too bold of contrast, consider painting the cabinets in gray to bridge the color gap. Gray kitchen cabinets are perfect for adding a softness to black countertops. In this trendy U-shaped kitchen, a black soapstone countertop mingles with cabinets painted with Sherwin-Williams Escape Gray.
Concrete is the material of choice for everything from the ceilings to the countertops in this industrial-chic kitchen. Concrete is an affordable, durable, and distinct material that is DIY friendly (although, maybe not for beginner DIYers). Pre-cast options are also available if you are worried about the concrete cracking as it dries, which is one of the challenges this material comes with. Additionally, concrete will mark over time, so if you don’t like to embrace imperfections, concrete countertops probably aren’t for you.
Clean lines, wood tones, and geometric tile make this kitchen a mid-century modern delight. The addition of the black countertop and contemporary fixtures ensure it still feels like it belongs in this century, though.
Black kitchen countertops look sleek and stylish, but they can lack warmth. Therefore, incorporating wood elements can be absolutely captivating. In this Scandinavian kitchen, an accent wall with vertical wood proves to be a textural delight that radiates warmth.
Want a less permanent wood accent to contrast a black countertop? Try using open wood shelving to display accessories, recipe books, or your favorite dish set.
Alternatively, a black marble countertop with gold veining has an earthy warmth built right in. The organic lines and patterning on marble are one-of-a-kind, so carrying it onto the backsplash is always a mesmerizingly beautiful option. While known for its longevity, marble still requires regular sealing to keep it in tip-top shape.
Carrying black countertops onto the backsplash adds an undeniable depth to a kitchen. But for renovations where an extra countertop isn’t in the budget, a black tiled backsplash is also a great contender. Already have a tiled backsplash but in the wrong color? Painting a tiled backsplash black is an affordable DIY project.
Prefer an airier look? Black kitchen countertops also excel at making lighter backsplashes pop. This one beautifully juxtaposes the white herringbone backsplash. If you love this look but are on a tight budget, get a similar aesthetic by using a patterned wallpaper for the backsplash. You can also use contact paper on a kitchen counter for a quick—and surprisingly durable—refresh.
Written by We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our full disclosures here. The chicest way to inject an instant update into your home is with one of these black-and-white living room ideas. Pare back on color schemes that
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Written by We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. See our full disclosures here. Mason Jars are an iconic staple of farmhouse and Americana history, a fixture on the dinner table throughout time. Beyond the utility of canning and preserving
