There are no rules governing the choice of countertop color. The main thing is that it does not seem superfluous and out of place in this kitchen. This means that the tabletop must be combined with the facades and the “apron”. To avoid mistakes, apply samples from the catalog of facades and countertops to each other. In order not to “try on” everything, you should decide in advance on the desired color scheme, and then the color selection process will go faster. There are many possible schemes, and each of them is good in its own way. There are no worse or better options - choose the one you like.
How to choose the right kitchen set
Choosing a kitchen set is a responsible matter, since usually this design does not change often and lasts for many years. When choosing, you need to take into account several factors at once, and not just focus on the color scheme. Since the kitchen set is used almost every day, it must be durable and reliable. For this purpose, high-quality materials are selected from which it is made.
The most common ones are solid wood, particle boards (chipboards), finely dispersed fraction (MDF) and multiplex. In this case, there is no need to focus on price, since sometimes solid wood is inferior to chipboards in many respects. It is better to take the body or frame from chipboard, and the facades from painted MDF, plastic or acrylic.
There are no rules governing the choice of countertop color.
In addition to strength, it is important to look at the quality of each part. They should not have the slightest flaw. Each nick or scratch will increase over time, and not only spoil the appearance, but also impair the functionality of the furniture.
To avoid mistakes, apply samples from the catalog of facades and countertops to each other.
Sizes matter
Paradoxically, the size of the kitchen largely determines the color of the kitchen table. In a small kitchen, a dining table with stools is located close to the work area and its color should, if possible, match the color of the surface of the table tops. Or, as an option, with the color of the facades (in this case, most often the facades and the covering of the dining table have a wood-like color and texture).
In a small kitchen, designers often have to solve the problem of increasing space. The ideal way to enlarge is to use monochrome and light colors, primarily white. Therefore, in a small Stalin-era and Khrushchev-era kitchen with an area of 6-7 m, the choice of color for the dining table usually comes down to using the same plastic as on the cabinets.
In a spacious kitchen, the distance between the dining and working areas is greater, and it is quite possible to place a table with chairs of a slightly different style. Even the fact that you can put chairs or a sofa in a large kitchen changes the perception of the place where you eat - it becomes a place of relaxation and gatherings, and it is appropriate to use tables made of wood, glass, and plastic. And use more expensive finishes and materials, complex shapes, turned figured wooden legs, complex bent or forged metal legs.
How to choose the color of the countertop
There are several rules on how to choose the right kitchen countertop by color. It is necessary to focus on the general style of the interior. Let’s say if this is a loft, then a light or dark wooden tabletop will look beautiful. For high-tech design, they choose predominantly white.
A white countertop is a win-win option.
For historical styles (classical, rococo, baroque) choose light shades interspersed with gold or made of marble. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is start from your own preferences and compare them with the chosen design.
A black countertop goes well with a white kitchen.
Additional Information! There are no specific principles for choosing the color of the countertop. There are only general rules and principles of combination that will look best.
General principles for choosing colors
If you follow the general principles of how to choose the color of the countertop and apron in the kitchen, you can achieve the perfect combination that will attract many looks every time and collect a large number of compliments from guests.
When choosing a color, you need to consider the following points.
- The color of the tabletop should be repeated in at least one more piece of furniture. Of course, the ideal option would be if it is not limited to one element. This is not a strict rule, but just a way to choose a win-win color for the countertop. This way you can achieve excellent results. In one color you can make a tabletop with a kitchen façade, an apron, a window sill, a dining table top, or a floor. These landmarks are traditional. They can most often be found in ready-made interiors offered by stores. But you can also choose the color of the work surface in the same tone as any other piece of kitchen interior. These could be curtains or patterns on wallpaper. The main thing is that some elements resonate with each other. This method can also be used in reverse. This is suitable for those who began arranging their kitchen not with the selection of furniture, but with wall decoration. That is, the tabletop is selected to match the most common colors in the interior, and not the colors of the interior to match the tabletop.
- The kitchen countertop can be a contrasting color. The principle of contrast creates the most harmonious and pleasing color combinations. The only thing is that applying this advice is not always very easy. That is, let’s say, white and black are contrasting and combine seamlessly with each other. But what about other colors, and on what basis should you select them for a tandem? Everything is very simple with this. You don't need to have any specific knowledge. You can use ready-made contrasting circles or tables. Color wheels are used according to the rule: the best contrast combinations are opposite each other. For example, if the tabletop is made in a yellow-green shade, then the contrast will be red-violet. The combinations are not the simplest and due to this they look very interesting.
- You can choose according to the practicality of the color. Everyone thinks that dirty countertops are white or any other light colors. But in reality this is just a common myth. In fact, dark ones get dirty much faster than light ones. At the same time, it is easier to care for whites and they are unpretentious in this matter, which cannot be said about blacks. An example could be any scratch. On a colored shade it will be difficult to see, but on a dark shade this defect is immediately visible to the naked eye. The same goes for dust, crumbs, drops of water or any other liquid. If you still want a tabletop in a dark shade, then for practicality it is chosen with light inclusions or veins.
A white kitchen set will suit a neutral countertop, imitating stone or wood in color and pattern.
Stone, wood or pattern
Stone, wood or with a pattern - everyone chooses for themselves. Again, practicality comes into play here. Solid wood or its imitation looks very advantageous in many styles and is often used by designers to match all color schemes. Wood is a universal solution, just like white or black. The best combinations are obtained with pine, red shades, brown or mahogany.
With a large selection of countertops to choose from, you're sure to find something that suits your needs.
Stone is one of the most practical. There are practically no defects in the form of scratches on it, and it is easy to clean. If an imitation is selected, then it is better to give preference to light shades in combination with dark ones.
Additional Information! A marble surface looks beautiful only if thin veins of black or any other color are made on white. Thick ones will spoil the appearance, as they do not look well-groomed.
A tabletop with a pattern will hide imperfections.
Drawings will help hide scratches that appear later. These options look very interesting. But combining them is the most difficult thing. It is better to choose minimalist paintings that will not take over the main focus.
Tone selection
The tone is selected based on the largest amount of color in the kitchen. That is, if there is more white, then it is a cold tone. And the countertop is chosen with a cold undertone. The combination of warm and cold does not always look advantageous, since this is done only by professionals who know many subtleties.
A red accent in the kitchen will stand out beautifully.
If the kitchen is made in red, then you should stick to this and choose suitable tones. They should not be flashy, just a light contrast is enough. You can choose the main color of the kitchen and simply divide it into several tones.
The red tabletop looks original.
An example would be a kitchen with a main shade of pink. That is, each detail is made in the same color, but more saturated or pastel, diluted with white or blue.
Colored or plain
Colored ones are much easier to combine with the interior, and they look more interesting. Here you no longer have to specifically look for a repeating color in the interior. It is enough just to adhere to the general style. Plus, it will be much easier to choose colors for the dining table, apron or facade.
A colored countertop will stand out.
You can find a countertop that repeats at least one color from the interior. But if this is the option you choose, then it is no longer recommended to select multi-colored interior items. Plain is a classic that always looks great.
The stone countertop has an attractive appearance.
The advantage of such a surface is that it can be plain or with a pattern. Stylized as stone or wood is acceptable.
What to combine with what
The first question that arises for those who have begun a kitchen renovation is: how to achieve a harmonious combination so that the selected elements are not separate parts, but create a complete composition?
The main thing is not to use all your favorite colors at once, so as not to make the interior chaotic and overloaded.
Interiors with few bright details look impressive
It is better to use no more than three color schemes in the interior and follow the 60-30-10 rule, where 60 is the main color, 30 is an additional color, and 10 is accents. Dominant is the background, the main color.
It is better to choose neutral colors that will not irritate over time, but there should be no more than 10% of bright accents. Otherwise, you can achieve the effect of a “spot” into which all the carefully selected details will merge.
An example of a bad choice of colors when all the details merge
NOTE: The tabletop must match the color of at least one detail in the interior, but better - with two.
You can match the facades of the kitchen unit, window sill, dining group, flooring, wallpaper.
Features of original countertops
The peculiarity of the original countertops is that they are used not only in the area of the working kitchen surface in the lower tier of the kitchen set. They can be applied in a wider direction. Let's say, continue on the bar counter, separate islands or on the dining table.
Mirror scheme: brown fronts - beige top.
Coatings are made in self-leveling, steel or stone form. Glass countertops look especially original. They add freshness to any space. They are often used for small kitchens, since colored ones will overload and visually reduce the space. You can also find folding or retractable models.
Combination of countertops and kitchen design
Continuing the theme of combining kitchen design and countertops, we can say that each style has its own design features. A Japanese countertop is unlikely to fit into a techno kitchen, and a colonial one into a steampunk kitchen.
An all-white kitchen is a win-win option.
In order for the final picture of the interior to look harmonious, it is important to observe combinations of styles. In rare cases, mixing gives good results. This only happens under the guidance of a professional. There is no need to experiment on your own. This will lead to wasting money and wasting your time.
Only a professional designer can successfully combine several styles.
Examples of combinations:
- The shabby chic style is characterized by pastel light shades of countertops. They can be white, pink or light green. Drawings of shepherdesses, flowers or birds of paradise are welcome.
- Dark shades and tones, angularity and restraint are suitable for brutalism. With rare exceptions, the color red is used, which adds its own unique feature.
- For a kitchen in grunge style, choose exclusively wooden countertops. It gives the austere room warmth and comfort.
What could an apron be like?
When creating a cozy interior in the kitchen, designers recommend starting from the most important detail that you like the most. For example, you can choose a bright contrasting apron - this will become the highlight, and you will select other elements for it.
Any detail can become the highlight of the interior
Those who do not like such experiments will like discreet aprons in the color of the tabletop or furniture facades.
Apron in the color of the tabletop
The main thing is that the countertop and apron you choose should fit harmoniously into the interior of the kitchen. Don't forget that both of these parts wear out quickly, so you can update the design over time with new combinations.
How to choose the right countertop color
It is difficult to underestimate the importance of the color scheme of furniture in the interior of the kitchen. Color affects a person and his perception of a room. It can inspire, irritate, suppress and give a feeling of psychological comfort.
When decorating a kitchen, first of all you need to choose a color scheme, that is, select shades according to their compatibility so that they blend organically into the overall interior picture. The color of the countertop may overlap with the shade of the set, kitchen apron, floor, wall decoration or textile decor of the room. If it does not have a “companion” in the interior, then the color may look out of place in the design.
Pros and cons of dark and light surfaces
Each shade has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the main characteristics can still be identified.
A white kitchen can be complemented with a countertop, the color of which is almost identical to the facades.
Pros and cons of light:
- The settled dust is not visible.
- Easy to care for.
- It is difficult to wash off colored stains.
- Scratches and water drops are less noticeable.
- Visually increases the space.
- Durable with proper care.
A dark countertop looks expensive.
Pros and cons of dark:
- You can see the settled dust.
- Quite easy to care for (you will have to wipe it often).
- Colored stains are washed off more easily.
- Water drops and scratches are visible.
- It can visually reduce space and make it heavier.
- Durable with proper care.
Black
This is one of the most controversial colors for countertops. On the one hand, stains from food or drinks will definitely not be visible on black, but on the other hand, any scratch will immediately catch your eye. Therefore, if you prefer a countertop of this color, carefully choose the material and texture. A black tabletop with small specks or stains will be much more practical than a plain glossy one. One of the most beautiful options is the “royal opal” color (yellow-golden stains on a black background).
How to care for your kitchen set
Each material has its own care rules. But we can identify a number of general requirements for caring for a kitchen set.
Proper care of your countertop will increase its service life.
- Rule #1. Proper care begins with proper installation. It is not recommended to place radiators nearby.
- Rule #2. Direct sunlight causes the color of furniture to fade quickly. This is especially true for wood.
- Rule #3. For cleaning, only soft products without abrasive particles are used. It is better to use rags made of flannel, cloth or microfiber.
- Rule #4. The use of hard, iron brushes is not recommended, especially for glossy surfaces.
The most popular and controversial color is white for the work surface.
After a detailed description of the general rules on how to choose the color of the countertop and apron in the kitchen, anyone can cope with this task. This does not require any special training or knowledge. It is enough just to take into account some recommendations.
