What color countertops work best in a small kitchen? Expert tips to follow from interior designers

For those of us blessed with bijou kitchens, implementing designs that create a feeling of space and light can be particularly important. And one of the simplest ways to do this is by choosing countertops in colors that help to open up a space, or alternatively add balance to the rest of your space.

You’re probably thinking that, if you’ve got a small kitchen, you need to stick to only light colors in order to play it safe and keep light bouncing around. And whilst it’s true that neutrals can make a compact space look larger, small kitchens don’t necessarily mean you only need to use these colors.

We spoke to designers to find out the colors they’d recommend for smaller kitchens and how to make the most of your space, also asked the key question – whether you should go light or dark on your kitchen countertops.

What color countertop works best in a small kitchen?

Interior design rules can be useful, but outdated kitchen rules shouldn’t hold you back from expressing your personality – even if your kitchen space is compact. Color should help to create an atmosphere that you’ll be happy to spend time in. That being said, it can be hard to know where to start, which is where our small kitchen countertop color ideas come in handy.

Neutrals always work

There’s a bit of a misconception that just because neutrals might be the obvious choice for a smaller kitchen space, they’re automatically going to be dull. But this couldn’t be further from the truth – it’s all about how you choose to employ neutral colors and materials

As Claire Garner, director at Claire Garner Design Studio, explains, ‘When choosing countertops for a small kitchen, lighter colors like soft whites or warm beige tones are ideal, as they reflect more light and make the space feel larger and more inviting. In terms of style, opt for sleek, clean-lined materials that won’t overwhelm the room. Polished or honed finishes in materials like quartz, marble, or light granite bring a sense of refinement while maintaining a simple, uncluttered look.’

Molly Chandler, designer at Willis & Stone agrees that lighter colors open up a kitchen space. ‘In a small kitchen, countertop color can significantly impact the perception of space, as well as the overall look. To make the space appear airier and more open, I would generally advise a light-colored worktop such as white, cream, beige or light grey. These colors will help to reflect the light, creating a more spacious feel. Neutral tones like soft grey or taupe also work well in a small kitchen and will provide versatility, creating a timeless look. They pair nicely with various cabinet colors and kitchen styles and are great for balancing light and dark tones, especially if you have medium-colored cabinetry or floors.’

And Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone, adds that balance is vital, ‘In smaller kitchens, choosing the right worktop color is all about balancing aesthetics with space-enhancing effects. Neutral tones such as creamy whites or delicate greys open up the room, maximizing light reflection without crowding the eye. For those who want a bit of contrast, a muted mid-tone, like a warm grey, can create definition while maintaining a cohesive look.’

Add subtle color with statement veining

Not taken by the idea of plain neutral countertops? Adding in subtle veining and textures brings visual interest, as well as allowing you to express a touch of creativity and personalization.

‘Opting for a subtle pattern or gentle veining can add character without overwhelming the design, creating a balanced and sophisticated look that enhances the room's sense of space and light,’ says Tom Howley, Creative Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company.

The traditional approach to countertops has usually seen a contrast between the color of cabinet doors and the countertop (e.g. dark doors/light countertops or vice versa), but recently there’s been a trend to have similar colors. Using textures and veining can help with this consistent look, as Claire Garner explains, ‘Patterned surfaces can also work beautifully in a small kitchen when used thoughtfully. Selecting marble or quartz with warm, subtle veining adds personality without overpowering the space. To keep the look cohesive, pair the countertop with light-colored cabinetry and walls, creating a unified design that maximizes the kitchen’s visual space.’

There’s also a move towards bolder kitchen countertop trends for 2025, with countertops leading the way in adding visual interest to a kitchen. As Richard Davonport, Managing Director at Davonport, explains, ‘White worktops offer a reflective surface which can enhance the light in a small kitchen, creating a sense of space. However, colored marbles/quartz surfaces are in for 2025 so consider giving it a slight upgrade by looking to pick a white countertop that can have colored veining running through it. You still get the benefits of a white surface but with added depth and texture that can make the room more visually appealing without compromising on making the space feel smaller.’

Ground the space with darker shades

It might seem counter-intuitive, but darker countertops can work well in a smaller kitchen space, particularly if you’ve to some lighter or cooler colored cabinetry. And, of course, darker colors are practical – they hide marks and wear and tear far better than their lighter compatriots.

With a little creative know-how, you can enhance a small space, as Tom Howley explains, ‘We recently designed a small walk-in pantry with a dark ebony worktop featuring creamy white veins. In a contained space like this, darker tones bring a sense of intimacy and drama, enhancing the character without affecting the lightness of the main kitchen. It’s about achieving balance and knowing when a bolder choice can elevate the design.’

Kathy Kuo, CEO of Kathy Kuo Home is also a fan of darker colors, ‘In a small kitchen, I love going with dark neutral colors for the countertops. A nice slate grey or charcoal feels distinguished and adds depth. In a small space, it's often the subtlest colors that can perform the strongest illusions of a greater expansiveness. Plus, dark grey tones are easy to pair with any number of lovely color motifs that work well in any kitchen.’

Keep things cohesive

You can’t just consider your kitchen countertops in isolation – they have to work with the rest of your kitchen to enhance the space. And in a small space, you don’t want to overwhelm so ensure the feeling is cohesive.

As Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball explains, ‘Keep color schemes simple in a small kitchen, avoiding more than three colors in one space. Any more than that can feel distracting in a room that usually has lots of adornment with utensils and crockery already on show. Use colors that are easy to live with as kitchens tend to be the most used room in the home. Look to schemes that have integrity and that you won’t tire from - this doesn’t mean bland, just restful.’

Although there’s no doubt that light countertops will make a small kitchen look bigger, the warming and soothing nature of darker tones is also incredibly appealing, particularly when toned with lighter cabinets to provide brightness. Playing with textures and veining can also add individuality to a kitchen, but at the end of the day, your choices should be dictated by the style and feel that most appeals to you.