40 Kitchen Countertop Ideas to Help You Choose a Material and Style

Kitchen countertops are both practical and aesthetic, making your kitchen more functional while supporting its overall design. There are options at every price point in a range of materials—from natural or manmade stone such as marble and quartz to more affordable alternatives like butcher block wood or tile countertops.

You can pair kitchen countertops with a matching backsplash for a seamless modern look. Contrast kitchen counters with another finish on the wall or island to add texture. From stone to wood, tile, terrazzo, stainless steel, and recycled materials, there are a variety of countertops to suit any space.

Check out these kitchen countertop ideas in a range of materials and styles to inspire your renovation.

White Caesarstone Quartz

White Caesarstone quartz countertops look clean and modern. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a go-to choice. Velinda Hellen Design paired white quartz countertops with white backsplash tiles, green base cabinets, natural wood open shelving, and plenty of plants for a fresh look.

Arabescato Marble

Add movement and excitement to your kitchen with Arabescato marble, a natural stone from Italy that is characterized by a white background and vivid dark gray veining. Create a sophisticated feel by using the same stone for countertops, sink, backsplash, and open shelving, like this space from deVOL Kitchens.

Wood Kitchen Countertops

Mix natural wood butcher block countertops with colorful cabinetry for a modern feel. Pluck Kitchens paired warm golden wood countertops with a mix of teal and coral flat-front cabinetry in this bright London kitchen. The countertops echo the herringbone wood floors and open shelving for a cohesive look.

Penny Tile Countertops

Cover your countertops with small penny tiles with black grout for a contemporary feel. Reichwald Schultz and Partner used the same penny tile on the countertops, backsplash, and island of this German kitchen. A sleek induction cooktop and backlit shelving lends the space a clean, modern look.

Moroccan Zellige Tile

Artisanal Moroccan zellige tile is handmade, meaning that no two tiles are identical. Interior designer Soufiane Aissouni covered the countertop and backsplash in this modern Marrakesh kitchen in square zellige tiles that add character to the small space.

All-Black Kitchen Counters

Create a moody ambiance with an all-black kitchen. Sissy + Marley Interior Design chose matte black countertops to match the rest of this dramatic kitchen located under the mezzanine level of a white-walled guest cottage for a sleek contemporary look.

Concrete Kitchen Countertop

Choose concrete countertops to add an industrial feel to a modern kitchen. Pluck Kitchens combined concrete countertops with painted white brick, silver-tone plumbing fixtures, and natural wood accents to add a bit of warmth.

Colorful Custom Counterops

Drench your kitchen in your favorite color for a striking modern look, like this all-blue space from Fantastic Frank. Matching flat-front cabinetry, countertops, and backsplash in the same soothing shade gives the minimal space plenty of personality.

Carrara Marble Countertops

If you love a classic look that works in both traditional and modern kitchens, choose Carrara marble countertops. The natural Italian marble has a white background and subtle light gray veining that makes it a versatile choice, like this space from deVOL Kitchens.

San Simone Quartzite

Add drama to a black-and-white kitchen with San Simone quartzite countertops. In this space from deVOL Kitchens, a matching backsplash, black cabinetry, and gold accents highlight the natural white stone with striking black veining.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Give your space the allure of a chef's kitchen with stainless steel countertops. Pluck Kitchens paired this durable popular metal countertop material with pink backsplash tiles and dark gray grout to soften the industrial feel.

Black Stone Countertops

Pair black kitchen countertops with white cabinets for a classic look. Brexton Cole Interiors added a wall of glazed white tile in place of upper cabinetry in this minimalist kitchen.

Terrazzo Countertops

Choose bold terrazzo tile to add color, pattern, and a retro chic feel to your countertops. Pluck Kitchens paired terrazzo countertops with glazed forest green backsplash tiles in this lively space.

Ceramic Tile Countertop

Cover your countertop with ceramic tiles for a budget-friendly makeover. Penny Layne covered the backsplash in the same tile, with a small frieze that adds a country-style decorative note to the kitchen.

Brazilian Quartzite

If you love the look of heavily veined stone, create a dazzling focal point in your kitchen with Brazilian quartzite countertops. Pluck Kitchens covered the kitchen island in the shiny natural stone, which is ultra resistant, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.

Tiled Kitchen Island

Customize a kitchen island with all-over tile. Interior designer Sophie Rowell of Côte de Folk tiled this farmhouse kitchen island from the countertops to the base to add texture to the homey space.

Corian Kitchen Countertops

Corian kitchen countertops are a budget-friendly manmade alternative to natural stone like quartz and granite. Pluck Kitchens paired a Corian backsplash and countertops with natural wood cabinetry and textured blush pink walls to give this kitchen a warm feel. Vintage decor accents make it feel timeless.

Recycled Glass Countertops

If you are decorating with sustainability in mind, look for innovative countertops made from recycled materials. Pluck Kitchens used multicolored Resilica countertops in this pastel pink kitchen that are are made from 100% recycled glass waste mixed with solvent-free resin and polished to reveal light-reflecting embedded glass fragments.

Hand-Aged Copper

Hand-aged copper countertops will add a rustic, time-worn feel to your kitchen. Pair it with exposed brick, natural wood, and brass accents for a timeless feel, like this space from deVOL Kitchens.

Black Granite

While speckled beige granite looks dated these days, black granite countertops have a sleek and classic feel that never goes out of style. Pair the dark stone with red cabinetry and gold-toned faucets for a bold traditional look, like this space from deVOL Kitchens.

Marble Counters + Tile Wall

Pair heavily veined marble with patterned tile in a vintage kitchen. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors mixed Arabescato countertops with a full wall of Celtic patterned tile in this historic Maine kitchen. Brass accents bring a bit of shine to the black-and-white scheme.

Dark Stained Wood

Choose a darker stained wood countertop to add a vintage feel to your kitchen. This homey space from deVOL Kitchens pairs shiny wood countertops with a matching island and classic white wood cabinetry and classic door handles for an unpretentious feel.

Green Marble Countertop

Make a statement by covering your kitchen island in dark green marble. Studio Peake paired the bold green island with simple quartz countertops and handmade zellige tiles on the wall.

Black Peninsula + Shiplap

Mix black stone with painted white shiplap for a modern coastal feel. Desiree Burns Interiors used the same black stone on the backsplash, counters, and peninsula of this light-flooded kitchen that helps define the space.

Calacatta Gold Marble

Add warmth to your kitchen with Calacatta gold marble or quartz countertops. Pair with cool blue cabinetry and a cool mosaic tile backsplash to add contrast. In this elegant kitchen, the beige stone is contrasted with white paint on the ornate ceiling moldings, while a modern pendant light helps to bridge the mix of old and new.

Mixed Wood Finishes

If you are DIYing your own kitchen design, feel free to mix wood finishes for a homey, rustic. Lobster and Swan combined butcher block countertops with reclaimed wood open shelves in this English country kitchen.

Black Quartz Waterfall Edge

Black quartz countertops will add a sleek and modern finish to an all-black kitchen. This midcentury modern remodel from Louis Duncan-He Designs includes a central waterfall edge island covered in the same stone as the countertops for a polished feel.

Concrete + Quartz

Mix neutral finishes on the countertops and island to add subtle variation to your kitchen design that isn't obvious at first glance. Desiree Burns Interiors mixed lightly veined quartz with concrete finishes in this kitchen that complement the backsplash tiles and allow the original dark wood ceilings and hardwood flooring to stand out.

Mixed Stone and Wood

Mix stone and wood finishes to give your countertops a textured feel. Marie Flanigan Interiors mixed gray slate and reclaimed wood to add character to the island countertops of the farmhouse kitchen.

Wood Countertops + Cabinets

Match wood countertops and base cabinets for a modern rustic feel, like this small L-shaped kitchen from Fantastic Frank. Staggered white square tile on the walls and black appliances give the small kitchen a crisp feel with plenty of warmth from the wood finishes.

Marble-Effect Quartz

Choose marble-effect quartz that is more low-maintenance and less porous than marble to make your hardworking kitchen as functional as it is stylish. Desiree Burns Interiors paired lightly veined quartz countertops with pale wood and a pair of boho-style pendants over the island for a breezy modern look.

Mixed Marble Countertops

Mix complementary marble or quartz finishes to create a bold statement. Leanne Ford Interiors paired large slabs of black and white marble on the countertops, backsplash, and island of this otherwise minimalist kitchen for a high-end look.

White Countertops + Metallics

White countertops will create a neutral backdrop that allows you to take risks with other finishes. Interior designer Alvin Wayne added glam to this small New York City kitchen with a row of gold metallic cabinetry that stands out against simple white countertops.

Gold Veining and Grout

Mix white quartz countertops with light gold veining and elongated hex tiles with gold grout on the backsplash for a coordinated modern look with a touch of warmth. Gray Space Interiors mixed gold-toned plumbing fixtures and door handles with stainless steel appliances for variation in this large family kitchen.

White Countertops + Cabinets

Mix white quartz countertops with light gray veining with stark white cabinetry to add subtle variation to an all-white kitchen. Interior designer Alvin Wayne accented the cabinetry with black pulls and accessories to give the space a graphic look. Hardwood flooring adds warmth.

Gray Marble Countertops

Gray marble countertops will lend your kitchen a slightly moody feel while remaining neutral. Marie Flanigan Interiors paired the marble with light wood cabinetry with visible grain to add plenty of movement. Brass accents add contrast and warmth to all that cool-toned stone.

Butcher Block + Acrylic Top

If you're worried about keeping your butcher block countertops looking new, add a clear acrylic sheet to protect them from scratches and stains and to make them easier to clean, like this simple Scandi-style kitchen from Fantastic Frank.

White Countertops

Lighten up black cabinetry with white stone countertops. Brexton Cole Interiors added depth to this semi-open kitchen with black cabinetry. White countertops and a matching peninsula with bar seating add balance.

Mixed Stone + Wood

Simple white quartz countertops mix well with other finishes like natural wood, tile, and stainless steel. Interior designer Alvin Wayne created a modern look in this open-plan loft kitchen with a white quartz peninsula that includes a built-in range and seating for four.

A pair of mobile restaurant kitchen-style mobile islands topped with butcher block wood gives the space an improvised feel that befits the industrial-style room.

White Countertops + Wood

Warm up white kitchen countertops and cabinetry with rich wood tones and gold accents for an easy modern look. Desiree Burns Interiors paired a lightly veined quartz island, backsplash, and countertops with stained wood and brass accents. The island countertop has gently rounded edges that soften the space and complement curvy upholstered bar stools.

What is the best choice of materials for kitchen countertops?

Stone countertops like quartz, marble, and granite are the most durable options. But the best choice of materials for kitchen countertops is subjective, so choose countertops that match your aesthetics, budget, and lifestyle.

There are multiple options to choose from, including everything from tile to laminate, MDF, butcher block wood, stainless steel, or countertops made from recycled materials.

What is the most popular choice of kitchen counter material?

Popular choices for kitchen countertops include quality stones such as quartz or marble that cost more but will hold up over time. More affordable options include natural wood butcher block or ceramic tile countertops.

Read the original article on The Spruce.