How to choose the best worktop colour for your kitchen

One of the most important features of your kitchen is the worktop. Not just from a practical point of view but visually as well. Because the impact your worktop has on the overall look of your kitchen is huge.

It’s a significant investment too, and something you must live with for a very long time. So, choosing the right worktop colour is crucial.

In this guide, we look at the most important things you need to consider when you choose your worktop colour.

Choose a worktop colour to complement your cabinets

Cosentino Dekton worktop colour Kelya
This Cosentino Dekton® worktop in Kelya perfectly complements the green kitchen cabinets.

One of the first things to consider is what colour will complement your kitchen cabinets. You have two choices. Either pick a colour that’s the same or a similar shade to the cabinets or choose one that contrasts.

Just bear in mind that not all cabinet colours will work well with matching coloured worktops. White cabinets, for example, can look clinical if you team them with a white worktop. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it though, if that’s the look you’re going for.

Also, think about the finish. As a rule, having high gloss on both the cabinets and worktops can be overkill.

Choose a light-coloured worktop to enhance natural light

Cosentino Silestone worktop colour Blanco Zeus
This Cosentino Silestone® worktop in Blanco Zeus beautifully reflects light to brighten up a dark kitchen.

If your kitchen tends to be rather dark, go for a light-coloured worktop. It will bounce light off the surface and reflect it back into the room.

Not only will it considerably brighten the room up, but it will also make the room feel bigger. And picking a worktop with a glossy finish will boost the effect even more.

White is the obvious choice, but there are plenty of other pale shades available too. Such as soft greys and beiges, to pinks and yellows.

Choose a worktop design to complement your room decor

The beautiful pattern of this Cosentino Silestone® worktop in Eternal Marquina has a striking effect against a neutral kitchen background.

Worktops come in all sorts of designs. There are solid colours, uniform patterns, busy random patterns or worktops with veining. When you’re considering which type to go for, think about how you’ll decorate the rest of the room.

If your walls are neutral, then you can pretty much have any worktop design you like. But, if you’ve got your eye on a detailed patterned wallpaper or some funky tiles, for example, teaming it with an overly patterned worktop might cause an unintentional clash.

Choose more than one worktop colour to separate areas

Cosentino Dekton worktop colour Sirius and wooden worktop
In this kitchen, a Dekton® worktop in Sirius has been used in the work areas, while a wooden worktop separates out the island.

When you choose a worktop, remember you don’t have to stick to one colour or design.

If you’ve got an island or breakfast bar in your kitchen, consider separating it from the working areas by putting in a different coloured worktop.

Try going a few shades lighter or darker. Or you can have a complete contrast in colours, or even use a different worktop material.

Choose a neutral colour worktop if you redecorate often

Cosentino Dekton worktop colour Liquid Shell
This Cosentino Dekton® worktop in a neutral Liquid Shell complements the patterned wallpaper beautifully. But it would work equally well with any pattern or coloured wallpaper or paint.

Once your kitchen is installed, it’s unlikely you’ll be changing it again for many years. So, if you’re someone who loves change, and re-decorates often, you need to consider that when you choose your worktop colour.

So, go for a neutral colour. Something versatile that will work with a wide range of other colours should you later change your paint, wallpaper, tiles or blinds. The obvious choices are white and black. But you can also choose greys, creams and beiges.

Choose a worktop colour that works with your flooring

This Cosentino Silestone® worktop in Marengo is beautifully complemented by an attractive wooden floor.

When you’re choosing your worktop colour, don’t forget to consider what flooring you’ll have because you don’t want to end up with a clash.

Ideally, the colours and finishes need to match. But you can also choose contrasting colours, as long as they complement each other.

Choose a worktop colour you love

Caesarstone worktop Atlantic Salt
Caesarstone® worktop in Atlantic Salt.

This is probably the most important factor! Kitchen makeovers aren’t cheap, and it’s likely you won’t change your kitchen again for at least 10 years… but probably more. So, you must pick a worktop colour you love.

So, once you’ve narrowed down your choice, order some samples. That way, you can see how the colours look in the light of your kitchen at different times of the day. At SEH Interiors we’ll send you up to four free worktop samples within 2-3 days.

And then, if you can, go to a showroom to look at a larger slab. Take a sample of your kitchen cabinets and flooring with you so you can see how the whole colour scheme works together.

If you also need help choosing your worktop material, read our handy guide: What is the best kitchen worktop material? A buyers guide.

SEH Interiors have over 10 years of experience supplying and fitting premium-quality kitchen countertops at affordable prices across the UK.
Browse our worktop ranges.