Countertop Styles

• Kitchens have countertops that allow space to work on cooking, cleaning and otherwise caring for the kitchen. Regardless of the kitchen, there is always some counter space available. When designing, remodeling, updating or otherwise working on a kitchen, the inevitable question that comes up is what countertop style to put into the kitchen. The countertop style can change the kitchen's appearance.

Square-Ended

• Square-ended countertop styles are common in kitchens. This style has the square, angular ends to the countertop and comes in a variety of materials. Laminate, granite or even tile counter materials are made to have a sharp, square angle at the corners of the counter. This is a basic style for a variety of kitchen designs.

Half Bull-Nosed

• The half bull-nosed style countertops have a fully rounded edge rather than a square or angular edge. The corners of the countertop are softened into a round shape. Depending on the space and shape of the counter, the number of rounded ends will vary for the kitchen, but this style softens the overall appearance.

Spanish Countertop

• Spanish-style countertops are artistic. Rather than straight lines and hard edges, they have curved lines and the edges are both square and softened. It does not form a sharp angle at the edges, but it does not quite make it to a rounded shape. It is an in-between style that is both rounded and square.

Triple-Bead

• The triple-bead style of countertops has edges that rise and indent twice before the actual top of the counter. The bottom "bead" is the largest part of the countertop. About an inch above the bottom is the middle "bead," which is slightly indented from the bottom. The final "bead" is indented slightly from the middle and then forms the full countertop.