Dark vs. Light Colored Granite Countertops | Amanzi Marble & Granite (2024)

One of the great things about natural stone, and granite in particular, is the wide range of colors, shades, tones, and patterns it is available in. Each slab is unique, producing a great aesthetic in your kitchen, bathroom, or other parts of the home. So, when you’re choosing the style and color of your granite countertops, should you go darker or lighter? Let’s look at some of the differences and the pros and cons of each.

Dark granite countertops

Black granite countertops are extremely popular and produce a striking aesthetic. You can also find a range of dark grays and deep shades of colors like blue, green, and purple. Dark granite countertops can offer a sleek, elegant, and modern look for your kitchen or bathroom, with black countertops especially going well in monochromatic spaces. So, if you’re choosing light kitchen cabinets or light floors, then you may want to contrast this with darker countertops.

One benefit of choosing dark granite countertops is that they hide spills and stains better than lighter shades. This gives you a bit more flexibility when it comes to cleaning your countertops, and it can mean they stay looking great for longer even if they do pick up some stains over time.

Light granite countertops

White granite countertops are also popular choices in modern, monochromatic kitchens. Other popular granite colors are available in off-white, cream, light shades of gray, and lighter shades of more colorful hues. As we mentioned before, contrast can be key to an attractive aesthetic, so light granite countertops can be paired with darker kitchen cabinets or a dark backsplash, for example.

White or light-colored granites will show water spots more than darker colors, so you may find yourself having to wipe your surfaces more often to keep them looking sparkling clean. Light countertops can be a good choice in smaller kitchens or those that don’t receive much natural light, since the lighter colors can create the impression of light and space. Similarly, if you’re looking for a more earthy or even a beachy style to your space, then light granites can work perfectly, especially when paired with wood-finish cabinets or floors.

For expert installation and high-quality granite, come to Amanzi Granite for your kitchen and bathroom countertops around Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Kernersville. Get in touch to find out more about our stone and our services.

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Dark vs. Light Colored Granite Countertops | Amanzi Marble & Granite (2024)

FAQs

Dark vs. Light Colored Granite Countertops | Amanzi Marble & Granite? ›

A light color stone will brighten up a dark space. If you have a well-lit and open room, you could pull off a very dark shade for a stunning effect. A small room might require a lighter or neutral shade, whereas some of the darker shades could give a larger room punch.

Should I get dark or light granite countertops? ›

One benefit of choosing dark granite countertops is that they hide spills and stains better than lighter shades. This gives you a bit more flexibility when it comes to cleaning your countertops, and it can mean they stay looking great for longer even if they do pick up some stains over time.

What is the best color for granite countertops? ›

Neutral tones, such as beige, gray, and white, are a popular choice for granite countertops. They create a timeless and classic look and complement a wide range of decor styles. Warm-toned granite countertops, such as brown, gold, and cream, can add warmth and coziness to your space.

What color granite never goes out of style? ›

White granite countertops are a classic choice that never goes out of style. However, they can easily be incorporated into a modern, minimalistic kitchen design.

Is dark granite more expensive? ›

Color and Availability

Granite is an expensive stone, but it's worth investing in your kitchen. Granite is hard and doesn't stain easily. The darker colors have more depth and patterns that appear in the light, which makes them more expensive than lighter colors like white or beige.

What are the disadvantages of dark countertops? ›

Adding additional lighting or choosing lighter cabinetry may be necessary to offset the dark countertop. Another disadvantage is that fingerprints and smudges are more visible on black surfaces. If you like to keep your kitchen spotless, you may need to clean your countertops more frequently than you'd like.

What is the best color granite for resale? ›

Neutral and Earth tone Granite colors work best

The vast majority of home buyers prefer neutral or earth tone granite colors in their granite countertops, and since you know this won't be your home very much longer, it's better to invest in the countertops the buyer wants than the countertops you personally like best.

What color granite is most expensive? ›

One of the rarest types of granite the world is Van Gogh Granite known for its aqua blue and mint green color with burnt orange veining. Since the combination of blue and red granite specifically is so rare in nature it is the most expensive.

What is the most popular countertop color? ›

Homeowners install countertops with hues across the entire spectrum, but the most popular colors are off-white and dark gray.

How can you tell if granite is high quality? ›

Quality granite can be identified by being about an inch thick, free of cracks and blemishes, having a beautiful pattern, and having low porosity. The three grades of low, medium, and high-grade granite are determined by these characteristics and how rare the color pattern is.

What granite is outdated? ›

Everything from white granite and black granite countertops to granite slabs has fallen out of style. The second reason granite countertops have lost their appeal is that the preference for light, simple kitchens has replaced the trend of dark, warm kitchens.

Is granite out of style in 2024? ›

The world of interior design is constantly evolving, especially when it comes to the kitchen. In this sense, the trend for the year 2024 is leaning towards the elegance and durability of natural stones. As a result, experts indicate that the trend points toward granite countertops as the protagonists.

Why is granite going out of style? ›

The first reason is simple: some early styles and color palettes associated with granite fell out of fashion. Granite selection and finishes continued to evolve, but it was too late to erase the impression some had of granite as dark and preternaturally polished. Another reason for the granite backlash? Overkill.

What color granite is the cheapest? ›

You'll typically find that tan and black granite slabs are the least expensive, and that white granite tends to be higher in cost. Yet, black and white are both the two most popular choices in granite colors.

Is dark granite hard to keep clean? ›

Black granite is stain resistant if properly sealed and looked after. If stains and spills are wiped away as soon as they occur, the countertop's surface should retain its pristine condition. While no material is 100% stain-proof, the natural hardness of granite provides enhanced protection.

What looks like granite but cheaper? ›

Quartz countertops are some of the most popular alternatives to granite countertops. Generally, quartz counters combine the crystalline mineral with rock binders and a polyresin resulting in a natural stone look. This type of countertop is well-suited for contemporary spaces.

Are darker or lighter countertops better? ›

Generally speaking, lighter countertops really present a clean and crisp look. They also have designs that seem more pronounced creating an attractive focal point. Darker countertops, by comparison, are seen as sleeker, with the darker tones and textures adding a cool vibe.

What color granite is more expensive? ›

Overall, you will find that the most expensive types of stone are red, purple, and blue granite. Various types of blue granite, like Azul Aran and Blue Bahia granite, are in the high-end of the price range. The most expensive type of granite is Van Gogh granite.

Should I get light or dark countertops with white cabinets? ›

Dark countertops are a perfect complement to white cabinets to achieve a classic look. Gray, cream and other mid-tone colors are extremely popular because of their neutrality. Gray contrasts ever so nicely with colored cabinetry and kitchens with a variety of finishes.

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