What is an Ogee Countertop Edge?

Featured Image: Arabescato Marble Bathroom Countertop with Ogee Edge from Arizona Tile

It’s an exciting time when you’re designing and building your dream home, giving your kitchen a full overhaul, or simply replacing your countertop (which really is a big deal and will transform the space). Regardless of the size of your project, it’s important to consider the smaller details as well, like the look of your countertop edges. This is one of those elements you may not have thought about until you’re placing your order for the perfect quartz, granite, marble, etc., and you’re asked, “What edge style would you like?” We don’t want you to be forced to make a quick, uninformed decision, so let’s talk about countertop edges. Most specifically, an ogee countertop edge.

Ogee Countertop Edge Profile

Selecting a countertop edge style is a decision you get to make when choosing to have a countertop installed, no matter the room in your home or business. While aesthetics play a huge role in the design process, other factors like safety, durability, and maintenance are worthy of consideration too. There are several types of countertop edge options including; eased, bevel, ogee, and bullnose.

Within some of these names, it isn’t simply one style but more of a group, like with ogee—pronounced ō-, jē. Straight from Merriam-Webster: “The meaning of OGEE is a molding with an S-shaped profile.” The profile will contain a concave arch that gives way to a convex arch, thus giving us that “S” shape.

To help explain, here are the profiles of some of the different ogee countertop edge types:

Image: Ogee Countertop Edge

Image: Ogee Bull Countertop Edge

Image: Flat Ogee Countertop Edge

Image: Flat Ogee Countertop Edge

While there are some striking differences, the ogee countertop profiles all have similar curved movements that keep that “S” shape. The sophistication of its soft flow makes it one of the most popular edge choices.

Edge Profile Options

While ogee is a stellar choice for a sophisticated touch, its rounded profile also provides a softer edge compared to some other edge options, which can be an important consideration especially if you have little ones running around, While other countertop edges that may have more squared off corners can offer a very modern, sleek look, the defined top and bottom edges could certainly hurt if bumped into and sting a bit more than a rounded edge. Also, the more defined an edge, the easier it could be to chip. Though countertop surfaces are very strong and durable if you’re working in the kitchen and accidentally hit something hard into the edge with some force, the more dramatic the point, the “easier” it is to chip. To some degree, an edge that has been rounded, like an ogee edge, is less likely to chip in this scenario.

Cleanability is another factor to consider. Simpler edges that lack indents and grooves —no convex surfaces to collect debris—may be easier to simply wipe clean. Really, any style countertop edge profile you choose will have its pros and cons. If expenses are a determining factor, make sure you ask your fabricator or contractor what the costs are for the various options, as some may be more expensive than others. Here are some other popular countertop edge profiles:

Image: Eased and Squared Countertop Edges

Image: ¼’ Bevel, Top & Bottom Bevel, ½’ Bevel, Half Bullnose, Demi Bullnose, and Full Bullnose Countertop Edges

If you prefer a clean, sleek, modern design, eased, pencil, and bullnose will check these boxes. If you appreciate the added emphasis on detail, bevel and ogee fit this bill more accurately.

Countertop Edges in Kitchens

With all of that said above, being more mindful of practicality within a kitchen will serve you well. Kitchens are the most used space in a home, which means this is a high-traffic area. The higher the traffic, the more likely you are to bump into or accidentally chip a defined edge while scrambling to make dinner. In a kitchen, an ogee profile, or bullnose, would be a good option to minimize some unnecessary stressors of everyday life, especially with children in the home. To add a customized elegance, consider Fantasy Brown marble, with your favorite curved profile, to turn a beautiful kitchen into a stunning one. Read more here if you’re curious about how to start matching tile to your selected edge profile.

Image: Fantasy Brown Marble Kitchen Rounded Edge Countertop from Arizona Tile

If you prefer an edge profile that’s not softened by a smoothed edge, that’s entirely ok, too. Just knowing the characteristics is half the battle. A detailed edge may be too much in certain installations, especially if it’s a small space and may begin to look too busy. A more streamlined profile certainly offers modernity to trends of clean and simplistic designs. Montreal quartz will dazzle in a kitchen if your design taste falls more in line with this description. For inspiration in the kitchen, take a peek at this gallery.

Image: Montreal Quartz Restaurant Bar Straight Countertop Edge from Arizona Tile

Bathroom Edge Profiles

A bathroom is yet another focal space in a home. If you’ve bought and/or sold a home before, you know that kitchens and bathrooms are an important part of what sells. A bathroom countertop may offer more freedom for your design dreams because the dynamic in this area is much different than an open kitchen. You may have designed a relatively calm yet elegant bathroom with our excellent Classic Limestone tile that welcomes the curved aesthetic offered by an ogee edge profile or a more distinct bevel edge for your vanity countertop profile.

Image: ¼ Bevel Bathroom Countertop Edge from Arizona Tile

On the flip side, if your bathroom is relatively small and you don’t want to overwhelm it with added lines and movement, a streamlined edge on Arabescato Como quartz will make the room pop. Look through our bathroom inspiration gallery for more ideas.

Think Outside the Box

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box! Enter: Volcano. This bold granite can seem intimidating, but pairing it thoughtfully with your design can perhaps make it the best focal point in the home. When you’re designing a space, the countertop is going to be with you for a long time, so choosing something you love will make you happy for years to come. Even if it is outside what’s “traditional” and trending, dressing it with the best edge profile to complete the look can create a long-lasting style.

Image: Volcano Granite Basement Bar with Bullnose Countertop Edge from Arizona Tile

When you can, visit an Arizona Tile store or slab yard to choose your favorite products. In need of more inspiration? Try our Just Imagine Tile and Slab Visualizer with your favorite selections. If you have questions, please reach out!