On countertop fabrication, there is a world of possibilities when it comes to edge profiles and designing your layouts, and some fit better with certain environments than others.
In our latest blog post on tips for your business, we’ve explored 7 tips to deal with unhappy customers, and how to make them happier.
In this post, the SlabWare team comes to put more tools in your toolbox by giving you ideas of countertop edge profiles that you can start using at your shop and link them to classic, modern, or transitional styles in interior design.
First of all, let’s talk about styles!
Classic, modern, and transitional styles are three distinct design aesthetics in interior design, each characterized by its unique features, influences, and principles. Here’s a brief overview of each style:
Classic Style:
- Timeless Elegance: Classic interior design is characterized by a sense of timelessness and elegance. It draws inspiration from historical European styles, such as Greek, Roman, and Renaissance designs.
- Symmetry and Balance: Classic interiors often feature symmetrical arrangements and a sense of balance in furniture placement and architectural elements.
- Rich Materials: Traditional or classic materials, such as wood, marble, and ornate fabrics, are commonly used to add a sense of luxury and sophistication.
- Antique Furniture: Classic interiors often incorporate antique or reproduction furniture with intricate details and craftsmanship.
Modern Style:
- Simplicity and Clean Lines: Modern design embraces simplicity and clean lines. It often eliminates excessive ornamentation and focuses on function and form.
- Open Spaces: Modern interiors tend to favor open floor plans, allowing for a sense of airiness and a seamless flow between rooms.
- Neutral Color Palette: Colors in modern design are often neutral, with bold accent colors used sparingly. Whites, grays, and blacks are common choices.
- Innovative Materials: Modern interiors frequently incorporate innovative materials such as glass, steel, and concrete. Furniture often features sleek, minimalist designs.
Transitional Style:
- Balanced Blend: Transitional design combines elements from both classic and modern styles to create a balanced and harmonious look.
- Neutral Colors: Similar to modern design, transitional spaces often use a neutral color palette, but there may be warmer tones and subtle pops of color.
- Mix of Materials: Transitional interiors may include a mix of materials, combining classic wood with more modern metals or glass.
- Comfortable and Livable: Transitional design aims to create spaces that are comfortable and livable, striking a balance between the formal elegance of classic design and the practicality of modern design.
And now we get to the countertop edge profiles!
Edges refer to the perimeter of the countertop where horizontal and vertical surfaces meet. Thus, an edge profile is a specific contour to which an exposed edge has been shaped, normally for decorative purposes.
Down below, we’ll talk about the most common edge profiles we see on countertop fabrication. Tag along!
Demi Bullnose
The Demi Bullnose edge has a curve that extends a little further back on the countertop when compared to other rounded edges and then it flattens itself on the lower part. Together with the bullnose edge below, this edge can work well in transitional spaces, providing a blend of classic elegance with a slightly modern twist.
Bullnose
The Bullnose edge – also known as Full Bullnose – features a curve that extends all along the edge, from top to bottom. This curve gives a soft touch to any countertop design and it is indicated for houses with children because the curvy edge has less chance of causing serious injuries in case of hitting the head or any part of the body on it accidentally.
A full bullnose or demi bullnose edge would work well in classic interiors, as they have a softer and more traditional look.
Flat eased
Low-cost edge profile and one of the most popular profiles seen around. A great complement for countertops with a more soft radius. It means that if your countertop or sink has square corners, it will possibly look better complemented with a more square edge.
The clean and simple lines of a flat eased edge are well-suited for modern interiors, emphasizing a minimalist and streamlined appearance.
Pencil and Double Pencil Edge
This edge has an ¼ inch radius, which makes it a little bit softer than the flat eased edge seen above. There is also a variation named Double Pencil, which has that ¼ inch radius on the bottom part
Its flat lines and softened borders provide a bit of ornamentation without being overly elaborate, making these edges suitable for spaces that aim for a balanced and comfortable look. Therefore, you may consider pencil or double pencil edges when working with a transitional style.
Beveled Edge
Also known as the bevel edge, this edge has an ⅜ inch clip along the top edge, and it is marked by the 45º angle. It may be divided into a big bevel or a small bevel.
A bevel edge, with its angular cut, can complement the modern design, providing a subtle visual interest without being overly ornate. Due to its simple and minimalist design, it can also be suitable for transitional design, offering a balance between classic and modern elements.
Big Bevel
Small Bevel
Ledge edge
Similar to a small bevel on the top, which angles down and finishes with an angle towards the inner part of the countertop at the bottom.
The chiseled or rough edge
This edge looks very rough. The rock is chiseled down and then sealed.
Ogee and Boulder edge
Mostly used in traditional homes, these edges are very remarkable due to their unique design and detailed profile. While the ogee is a little bit simpler, with the edge resembling a step on a staircase, the boulder contains more steps – and thus, it is more detailed in its shape.
Ogee and boulder edges, with their ornate and decorative profile, are also suitable for classic styles, adding a touch of elegance.
Ogee
Boulder
Cove du Pont Edge
Cove du pont looks like the ogee edge, except that it starts with a strong inward curve, then has the step, and finishes the bottom part with an outward curve. This type of edge suits perfectly environments with other pieces of classic style, matching its elegance and ornate look.
Miter Edge
This edge is formed by making a 45-degree cut on a slab and adding the parts together to form a 90-degree angle. In the image below we can see the 45º cut on the top slab and the side slab.
Waterfall
Not necessarily an edge, a waterfall is a type of stone positioning using the miter edge above, where the stone’s veins keep flowing on the side, creating a waterfall effect. See in the image below how the top slab continues its way on the side slab.
Lamination
Lamination is the combination of two edges together. Two slabs are attached to each other with glue or sticking material, thus, they look like one super thick slab. With that, there is more space to combine different edges. E.G. Ogee + Bullnose, or Boulder + Eased.
Now after all this theory, how about starting the fabrication at your shop?
SlabWare has the perfect tool to explore your newly acquired knowledge! Access Draw now on your SlabWare and explore the possibilities it gives you in creating your own countertop layouts and playing with edges and backsplashes at your own will!
SlabWare’s Drawing feature offers an exclusive tool: it allows you to add a different edge to each border of your countertop in your layout. Check out this blog post to know more about it
The best part: you can draw your project and automatically generate a quote out of it within minutes.
Stop wasting your time with other tools that do not adapt to your shop’s needs and that demand too much effort on your part.
And if you are not a client yet, don’t worry! You can test SlabWare’s Drawing and all of the other features FOR FREE. Click here to start now!
Need any further help? Get in contact with our team and schedule a demo!