Which Countertop Fits your Bathroom Design Style?

The good news is that choosing a bathroom countertop can be a lot of fun.  While there are practical considerations such as durability and easiness to clean, bathroom countertops do not have to withstand quite the same wear and tear as a kitchen countertop, which comes under constant assault from sharp knives, grease splatters, and more.  The even better news is that there are numerous options to choose from, with a style to suit any bathroom design.

So, if you are embarking on a bathroom renovation, what steps should you take to find the best countertop material and style?  Your bathroom design professional can help you navigate this bathroom remodeling question as part of your overall plan, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Bathroom design with a small vanity top countertop.

Bathroom design with a small vanity top countertop.

First, consider your space and household requirements.   Is this a small bathroom or powder room with a small countertop? 

Or, is this a large master or family bathroom with more than one sink, a long countertop, and multiple people using it?  You may want to consider selecting a countertop that can withstand more use, not to mention coffee and toiletry spills, shower moisture, and heat from styling implements in a larger, heavily used bathroom.

Bathroom design with large countertop and double sink vanity.

Bathroom design with large countertop and double sink vanity.

If you fall in love with a material that is more expensive and less durable, perhaps reserve it for a lower use bathroom or powder room that has a smaller countertop space.  A high use family or kids’ bathroom will have to withstand more mess and be cleaned more often, so incorporating a countertop material that is easily cleaned into your bathroom renovation could save you a lot of hassle in the long run!

Spa-style bathroom design with a multilevel bathroom countertop.

Spa-style bathroom design with a multilevel bathroom countertop.

Next, think about the style you want to project in your bathroom design.  The countertop not only provides practical space for getting ready, but it allows you to make a design statement through the color, look, and feel of the material you select.  Consider your personal tastes and the style you want for your bathroom renovation and allow your countertop to help you complete this look.  While your countertop is an easy place to set the tone of your bathroom design, be sure that it works together with the type of sink, as well as your floors, tiles, walls and more to achieve your own style.

Don’t forget to look at your overall budget and how much of it you want to allocate to the countertop.  Depending on the size required and the material you select, countertops can be expensive.  While you should definitely pick a countertop style and material you love, consider the cost against your total budget and decide if the investment is worthwhile. 

Finally, look at the material, shape and design that best meets all of these requirements.   Once you have a clear picture of what you need and how much you want to spend, you can look at the vast array of materials available to help you complete your bathroom design.  Granite sits at the top of the range, but other options include limestone, marble, engineered quartz, tile, solid surface materials, concrete, glass, recycled materials, and so much more.  Each one carries individual pros and cons, such as resistance to moisture and mold, shape and colors, edging, durability, easiness to clean, whether it needs to be sealed regularly, among others.  Knowing your priorities when you talk to your bathroom design professional will make it easier to review these pros and cons and select the right material for you.

For more bathroom ideas visit our design gallery and get inspired today!