One of the most significant decisions you’ll make regards the worktops, not just in colour and material but also the worktop edge profile – the design that runs lengthways down the edges of your surfaces – that will sprinkle that finishing-touch magic over your new room.

Whether you’re thinking about clean, modern lines or a more decorative and traditional look, your worktop edge profile will enhance everything from visual appeal to everyday practicality. Certain profile edges will work better with specific kitchen layouts or materials. For example, a chamfered edge (sometimes known as a bevel edge) worktop might be ideal for a minimalist kitchen, while a double pencil edge design could offer a smoother finish better suited to a busy family space.

Here at Bellagio, we’ve been working with worktops for over two decades, across a range of luxury materials including quartz, sintered stone, porcelain, granite and marble. Our professionals have the knowledge and expertise to talk you through your kitchen worktop edge profile choices and how to decide which one best suits your kitchen. In this blog post, we’ll help you make the right call – without any of the guesswork.

Chamfer Edge Profile

What are worktop edge profiles?

Put simply, worktop edge profiles describe how the visible edge of your kitchen worktop is cut and finished. It may sound like a small detail, but it can have a dramatic effect on the final look and feel of your kitchen. From sleek, contemporary chamfers to traditional, decorative curves like ogee and dupont, the profile edges of your surfaces play a bigger role than you may realise.

Once you’ve chosen your material and colour, the edge profile brings it all together. It’s the finishing touch that can elevate a design and bring it into balance. Crucially, edge profiles aren’t just about style but functionality, too. Smoother, rounded profiles can be safer in high-traffic family kitchens, while sharper lines enhance a minimalist aesthetic.

The thickness of your worktop also plays a role – and it’s important to consider that not every design will be possible with every material. Many quartz countertop edges can be shaped into intricate designs because of the material’s strength, while more natural stones, such as marble and granite, lend themselves to simpler finishes due to their inherent patterns and carving tolerances.

The size of your available space also matters. More compact kitchens can benefit from subtle profiles like a double pencil edge or chamfered, bevel edge worktop, which makes movement more comfortable and reduces the risk of snags. Larger kitchens can afford to go bolder with statement shapes that match their ornate cabinetry, fixtures or designer lighting.

You might even consider combining styles by layering two edge types together for a truly personal finish. There really is no one-size-fits-all solution, but your chosen edge should reflect both the space’s practical needs and your personal taste; our experts are here to help you discover the ideal kitchen worktop edge profile for your space.

Ogee Profile

What are the most popular kitchen worktop edge profiles?

There are many different ways to apply a practical or designer touch to the edges of your new worktops. Over our many years of working with different luxury materials, we’ve developed quite a repertoire of countertop edges. Here, we present just a few of the most popular choices. From timeless classics to more contemporary looks, our templaters have seen a wide range of profile edges, and we’re ready to help you apply the perfect finish to your choice of worktops.

Single and double bevel edge worktops

A pencil edge worktop features a softly curved finish along its top edge, not unlike the curve of a rounded pencil. A single pencil edge applies this only to the top edge, while a double pencil edge adds the same soft curve to the underside. The result is a smoother, softer edge that’s ideal for family kitchens, smaller rooms and higher-traffic areas. Pencil edge worktops exude a simple elegance that complements both classic and modern tastes, offering safety, style and a refined finish without calling attention to itself. It’s a subtle detail that makes a big difference in everyday use.

Waterfall edge

A waterfall edge profile layers multiple rounded curves to create a flowing, decorative effect that resembles a cascade – hence the name. It is sometimes known as a triple pencil edge, and offers a soft, sculpted look that feels luxurious and refined. This ornate style pairs beautifully with statement materials like marble or quartz. It can be stacked with other luxurious edge profiles, such as an ogee edge, to create a stunning centrepiece surface that works beautifully on a kitchen island. A waterfall edge makes an immediate impression and is perfect to mirror other curved elements, tying together your cohesive, high-end kitchen design.

Half and full bullnose edge

A half bullnose edged worktop is finished with a smooth, rounded quarter-circle curve over the top edge, offering a softer and more traditional look that leaves the bottom flat. A full bullnose edged worktop curves both the top and bottom edges into a perfect semi-circle along the front of your counter, creating a soft-feel finish. It’s ideal for family-friendly kitchens, offering fewer sharp corners and a more classic silhouette. Bullnose edges work well on thicker worktops in particular and pair especially well with warm-toned quartz or granite for a warm look that never dates.

Sharknose edge

A sharknose edge is a sleek, modern profile that features a steep, inverted bevel cut into the underside of your worktops. This smart design choice creates the illusion of a thinner, floating surface and works especially well in contemporary, handleless kitchens, as the angled cut makes it easier to grip drawers and cupboards from underneath. Sharknose edges are particularly effective on engineered stones like quartz and porcelain, which we can cut with the precision needed for such a clean, angular design. It’s a bold, functional choice that combines style with subtle practicality.

Ogee edge

An ogee edge features a concave dip that flows into a convex arch, creating an elegant curve that adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. Ogee edging is seen as a more ornate option that’s often found in traditional or period-style interiors. Ogee worktop edge profiles work best on thicker surfaces and look particularly striking on kitchen islands or focal-point counters – especially if opting for a double ogee finish. While this edge profile is not as subtle as chamfered or pencil designs, the ogee remains a timeless choice for adding detail, depth and refinement to your surfaces.

Dupont Edge

A dupont edge brings a luxurious feel to your kitchen surfaces. This style is characterised by a short, vertical drop from the top of the surface, which then quickly transitions into a rounded or quarter-circle curve at the bottom. The result is a structured look that works particularly well on premium materials like quartz or granite. Dupont profile edges work beautifully with more traditional cabinetry or alongside high-end detailing and look fantastic when applied to kitchen islands or breakfast bars. It’s a perfect finish for kitchens where craftsmanship is front and centre.

Which worktop edge profile is right for your kitchen?

Choosing the right kitchen worktop edge profile depends on a few factors: your material, room size and overall style. Think about how you’re going to use your surfaces, what kind of visual appeal you’d like and how your chosen edge profile might complement your existing cabinetry and layout. Simpler profiles often suit modern or compact spaces, while ornate finishes come to life in traditionally styled rooms. With our guide above and advice from our expert team, you’ll be well-equipped to find the profile that makes your kitchen shine.

Can Bellagio help?

With over 20 years of experience crafting luxury worktops, Bellagio is here to guide you through every step – including choosing the ideal worktop edge profiles. Visit our Warwick showroom to view materials, see edge styles up close and book a free consultation with our experts. We install kitchen worktops across the West Midlands and beyond, from Worcester to Nottingham and Cheltenham to Solihull, your dream kitchen surfaces start with Bellagio. Contact us today and discover just how easy we can make it.