Light or Dark Granite: Which Should You Choose? 

Should you go with light or dark granite when you’re remodeling your kitchen?

Your countertop is the centerpiece of your kitchen, so selecting the perfect granite slab for your design is key. The good news is, no two slabs of granite are alike. You will have a unique result, but it’s still critical to find the shade of stone that fits your style.

Consider the Size of the Space

The size of your kitchen can factor into your decision. Is your kitchen small? Choose a lighter granite to brighten and widen the space. If space isn’t an issue, or if you have vaulted ceilings, a dark granite can provide a design anchor.

Consider the Size of the Counter

How many square feet are will your counters be? If you don’t have a lot of space for counters, don’t choose light granite with distinctive veining — you won’t have enough space to get the full effect.

Assess Natural Light Levels

The level of natural light in the room matters for granite selection. If you have plenty of natural light, you don’t have to add extra lighting fixtures or worry about the color of your granite. Pick light or pick dark — it won’t affect the environment in the least.

But if your kitchen is dark to begin with, it’s best not to go with dark granite. Lighter fixtures will brighten the space when the sunlight can’t.

Pick Flooring and Cabinets First

There is a sequence of events that must take place during a kitchen renovation, and choosing your counters doesn’t come first. First, you should decide on layout. Next, choose both the flooring and the cabinet material and color. Cabinets and flooring should be chosen at the same time because their colors must complement each other.

Consider the colors you chose for flooring and cabinets to help decide on a granite shade. Your countertop doesn’t have to match exactly, but it should belong to the same color family as your flooring. If your cabinets, counters and flooring are all different, the kitchen will look busy and odd, with no defined design scheme.

Only after the cabinets, flooring and then countertops are chosen should you decide on all the other additions, such as cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures.

Need Help?

Ultimately, take your time deciding on the granite countertop that’s right for your kitchen. Countertops are key to the look you end up with, and kitchen redesigns should add value and elegance to your home. It’s important to get the details right.

If you’re undecided on light or dark granite, come to our showroom at Intermountain Stone & Marble Company. Looking at samples in person versus online can help you better envision what the stone would look like in your home. We have a large selection of show-stopping natural stone slabs.