The modern kitchen is the in thing currently. There are millions of newly constructed and refurbished houses around the world that are opting for the modern style. The allure of sleek, smooth surfaces combined with the idealistic minimalist design is too strong to resist. The countertop overhang is a primary feature of modern furniture and our subject today.
What is a Countertop Overhang?
A countertop overhang is a section of the countertop that extends beyond and covers the cabinets and drawers underneath. The countertop essentially prevents the drawers from getting ruined by coffee spills, food spills, or anything that might fall from the countertop.
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Standard Countertop Overhang Measurements
The countertop overhang is the length from the leading edge of the countertop to the front of the base cabinets. As aforementioned, the countertop overhang prevents spills from flowing on to the base cabinets and camouflages the joint between the countertop and the cabinets. The standard countertop overhang is 1-1.25 inches long, this is the standard length for a countertop overhang on the front side of the counter. For a countertop overhang on the side, the length is typically 0.125 to 0.25 inches. A countertop overhang meant to seat people ranges from 8-10 inches and a bar countertop overhang is on average 8 inches wide.
Kitchen Island Designs With Countertop Overhang
The countertop overhang has been incorporated into many kitchen island designs because it protects the cabinets underneath from being ruined by spills and keeps the cabinet doors or drawer handles from protruding. The following are some kitchen island designs that have incorporated the countertop overhang.
Waterfall Edge Kitchen Island Design
Read more : Kitchen Layout Dimensions (Size Guide)
The waterfall kitchen island design incorporates a countertop overhang that takes a sharp turn of 90 degrees at the edge facing the floor. Spills from the countertop will form a “waterfall when they spill over to the floor hence the name. The design ensures that spills flow from the edge of the countertop and straight to the floor. Therefore, no spills will reach the cabinet and shelves. The waterfall edge design is preferably used on marble, quartzite, soapstone, or any other countertop with a smooth or glossy finish. Both of these finishes also double up as marvelous pieces of art and will therefore increase the aesthetic value of your kitchen and home at large.
The waterfall edge kitchen island design is more common in modern kitchen styles than traditional kitchen styles. This is because the latter consists of furniture made mainly from wood and spills are more likely to seep into wooden furniture rather than flow over them except when the wooden countertops have a smooth finish. The waterfall edge kitchen island design is more suitable for open-plan kitchens as it would be showcased more clearly. The waterfall edge kitchen island design is popular as it can be styled in various ways.
Wraparound Kitchen Island Design
The wraparound kitchen island design incorporates exponentially increasing the counter surface area. The style also incorporates an overhanging countertop, the countertop may be custom-made as per the client’s demands. This kitchen island design is advantageous as it will provide extra storage space, which may eliminate the need for a storage room. Apart from the island acting as an eating spot or workstation, it can also hold flower vases or any other decorative pieces.
As aforementioned, standard countertop overhangs range from one inch to one and a half inches but one can have a custom-made one that will provide more space. The extra countertop length can provide extra legroom and allow a number of people to sit around the island either for meals or to enjoy each others’ company. This is the best option for smaller houses as the kitchen island can double up as a dining table and the designated dining room will be utilized for other purposes. Wraparound kitchen islands can work with either glossy or matte countertops and can blend with both modern and traditional style home designs.
U-Shaped Kitchen Island Design
This is one of the most popular kitchen island designs. This design is appropriate for both large and small spaces. It maximizes the use of kitchen space and in turn, provides an above-average storage room. This design involves the cook or any kitchen user being surrounded by the kitchen island on three sides. This gives the cook enough space to move around the kitchen, for example, they can chop onions on one side, or cut the celery while the oil is simmering on a stove on the other side of the kitchen.
This allows the cook to be more efficient and therefore prepare delicious food. Additionally, a parent can watch over their kids doing their homework while preparing food or cleaning the dishes in the sink. This design also incorporates countertop overhangs and they help the cook access the stove or sink more easily. Like the wraparound kitchen design, the U- shape design can blend in with both traditional and modern styles of furniture. That is one of the reasons the U-shape kitchen island design is the most practical kitchen plan.
Conclusion
The kitchen island is a must-have piece of furniture in every kitchen. It eases work around the kitchen and can also serve as a workstation and a seating area during mealtimes or when the household members want to spend time together. Countertop overhangs are designed on kitchen island countertops to protect the cabinets underneath from liquid spillages or any other substances that might fall from the countertop.
Apart from preserving the cabinets or shelves, the countertop overhang also assists the person working at the kitchen island to work with ease. The standard countertop overhang is 1-1.5 inches long but one can have one designed to extend further beyond the edge after consulting an expert. This extension can allow the countertop to act as a bar or a dining table. To get quality, bespoke kitchen islands that incorporate countertop overhangs contact us.
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Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens