With so many countertop options to choose from, it can be hard to pick a material, let alone decide how to use it in your home. It helps to narrow the list down, starting with the material itself.
Quartz is a favorite of many homeowners. Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral, but a quartz countertop is not cut from a single block of it. Instead, the quartz is ground into small pieces and mixed with a binding resin to form an engineered slab.
The result is a countertop that is attractive, durable, and, most importantly, non-porous, so it resists staining. It is one of the most popular countertop materials, alongside marble and granite. If you want a countertop that meets most everyday needs, quartz is a strong candidate.
Color is where people get particular. Light colors are the traditional choice, but darker countertops have many fans, and black quartz is one of the most striking options available.
If you are thinking about black quartz, here are seven design ideas to consider and discuss with your contractor.
Black Quartz for Contemporary Bathrooms
Black quartz goes very well with metal accents such as faucets, sinks, and hardware. That makes it a natural fit for bathrooms. If you want to give your bathroom a contemporary look, it is one of the better choices.
A black quartz vanity top with an undermount or vessel sink makes a striking countertop that ties the bathroom’s fixtures together. Chrome, brushed nickel, and brass all stand out against it.
You can also take the dark palette further, with dark tile or dark cabinets. Bathrooms have traditionally been light-colored, but that is no longer a rule, and black is worth exploring. Keep in mind that polished black surfaces show water spots and soap residue more than light ones, so a quick wipe after use helps.
Black Quartz for an Outdoor Countertop
If you have the space and the budget for an outdoor kitchen or dining area, a black countertop can look very good there. There is one important caution, however.
Most engineered quartz is made for indoor use. The resin in a standard slab can fade or discolor in direct sunlight over time, so use only a quartz product that its manufacturer rates for outdoor use, or keep the countertop in a fully covered, shaded area. Ask about the manufacturer’s guidance before you decide. A black surface also gets hot in the sun.
On the design side, black hides dust and debris from the weather better than a light color does, and it looks good against the natural colors of a garden. A black countertop can make a patio feel more finished and more luxurious.
Black Quartz With White Cabinets and Accents
At first it may seem hard to find colors that go with black quartz, but it works with many of them. A classic partner is white. Whether in a kitchen or a bathroom, black quartz pairs well with white cabinets and fixtures.
The contrast between black and white suits modern kitchens especially. White cabinets keep the room bright, which matters in a small kitchen, while the black countertop adds depth. Some people avoid the combination because the contrast is strong, but that contrast is exactly what makes it work.
Besides the fixtures and cabinets, look at the tile and wall colors so they suit the black quartz. A white or light gray backsplash and light walls keep the room from feeling heavy.
Living Room Table
Quartz is mostly used in kitchens and bathrooms, but it is a versatile material and can be used in the living room as well. A black quartz top on a coffee table or console makes a good centerpiece for the room.
As a living room surface, black quartz is a strong backdrop for decor. Books, vases, and other objects stand out against the dark surface.
Keep the piece modest in size so it does not dominate the room. Quartz is also heavy, so the base has to be built to carry it.
Sleek Black Countertop Island
Kitchen islands are very popular. They make good use of the space in a kitchen and give you extra room to work, which is ideal for people who love to cook and want a more comfortable kitchen.
A kitchen island is a separate, freestanding run of cabinets and countertop, usually in the center of the room. Some people use the island for prep work, others for cooking or casual meals. Black quartz is a good countertop for it.
A black island top works especially well as a contrast piece, with lighter countertops on the perimeter. It anchors the room and gives the kitchen a clear focal point.
Black Dining Aesthetics
If you want a more luxurious dining room, consider a dining table with a black quartz top. Paired with black chairs and light-colored dishes, it creates a dramatic, dark look for the dining area.
You can also pair a black table with wood, in the base, the chairs, or nearby furniture. The result is a warm, minimal look that shows off the black quartz.
Black Quartz With Gold Lighting
For kitchen and bathroom lighting, most people think of cool white light. Black quartz often looks best under warm, gold-toned light. Warm light on a black countertop brings out its sheen and any veining or flecks in the pattern.
A black surface absorbs a lot of light, so the color and placement of your lighting matter more than with a light countertop. Under-cabinet lights and warm pendants over an island make a noticeable difference.
A black quartz countertop can be one of the best design decisions you make for your home. It can be hard to know where to use it, and these seven ideas are a place to start.
Of course, the countertop you choose depends on your own preferences and budget. You can find your own ways to use black quartz, and you do not have to follow any of these ideas exactly.