Function rules most kitchen remodels, and rightly so. That doesn’t mean that making a strong design choice, mostly for aesthetic purposes, is off the table. Or off the island, as it were. 

We almost always see some skepticism after a concept gains popularity and turns up in countless new builds. Some homeowners (and even designers) are asking, "Are waterfall countertops going out of style?” Keep reading to learn why the waterfall edge style is staying put.

What is a waterfall countertop?

The waterfall countertop edge style is where the material extends beyond the top surface. It reaches the edge, takes a 90-degree downward turn, and “falls” down the sides of the furniture to the floor.

It requires more material and is therefore typically more expensive. But like all counters, the precise type of countertop material, the thickness, and the size of the underlying structure have an impact on costs.

5 reasons why waterfall countertops are timeless

Want to add major impact to your kitchen design with one feature? Waterfall countertops can do it. Here are a handful of reasons people are taking them into 2026.

1. They make your kitchen island more durable.

Kitchen islands are changing. They’re more high-functioning and feature-heavy. With that comes customization. Protect your investment by reinforcing the structure with stone-covered sides. You don’t have to apply this benefit to the island alone; peninsulas and end cabinets can be strengthened this way as well.

Another underrated plus is safety. The lack of a protruding edge from a countertop that hangs over the sides can be a kitchen feature that is safe for families with young children.

2. Serves transitional interiors as well as modern ones. 

Waterfall countertops are inextricably associated with modern and minimalist designs. However, we recommend considering them for transitional spaces, too. The traditional appeal of a stone countertop comes together with the clean lines of the edge style.

If you have an open-plan living space that combines fresh concepts with classic mainstays, it’ll fit like a glove.

3. Waterfall edges elevate casual dining and entertaining. 

If seating is a primary purpose for your kitchen island, waterfall countertops are a sophisticated choice. The island will look less like a prep counter with storage areas running down the sides, and more like an elegant stone table providing a bird’s eye view of the chef in action.

4. Complements appliance integration.

Many invest in the clean lines and seamless visual harmony of integrated appliances. Waterfall edges on the island feel like a natural choice. It creates a completely pulled-together look. 

It is also a chance to assert contrast without disrupting integrated custom cabinetry. Choose a darker stone or more luxurious material to encase the island, and the overall effect is clean and sophisticated, not flat and boring.

5. They’re not just for kitchens. 

The final reason we don’t see waterfall edges leaving is that they’re spreading throughout the house. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even desks in home offices are using waterfall countertops as a striking focal point. 

In fact, watch out for more waterfalls in walk-in custom closet remodels. The new closet island requires more personalization and aesthetic oomph. A beautiful, dramatic countertop is one way homeowners are achieving that.

BONUS: The secret to a stunning waterfall countertop on a budget

If you can spring for an exceptional piece of natural stone, no one will talk you out of it. However, for many remodelers, aligning the veining most harmoniously, from surface to sides, isn’t so easy. 

Engineered quartz is still a premium material, but it’s much easier to control the overall finished look. This saves you time you would otherwise spend locating the perfect mined rock for the job. Low-maintenance and high-durability, it protects cabinets while staying beautiful for years.

Come see your new countertop at The Designery.

There’s one more thing you should know about waterfall countertops: they’re not a DIY project. Material appearance continuity, precision mitering, and structural integrity are just a few installation challenges you’d face alone. 

The Designery is here to help. From showing you the finest material options for your budget, creating a visual to preview what your counter will look like, and connecting you with the craftspeople to execute it, we have it handled.

Find your Designery location or give us a call to learn more and begin.

“Highly recommend this Designery location for providing quality kitchen cabinet, countertop, and bathroom materials! The professional on-site also provided awesome customer service with attention to detail and helpful custom design services that stood out from our other options!”

–Ron, Designery client