Bathroom and kitchen trends change all the time for several different reasons. Light-colored quartz is the latest of these trends, offering a popular style for those who want something that looks upscale without breaking the bank. Quartz is a durable, beautiful material that can withstand much use and abuse over the years. It’s also a low-maintenance option.
Quartz can range between $30 and $150 per square foot, depending on the quality of the stone and the thickness of the slab you choose. This is usually a little less expensive when compared to granite, and it’s much cheaper than marble. It’s more expensive but much higher quality than laminates and other solid surface materials.
A quick note on design—your bathroom and kitchen countertops don’t need to match, even if they’re right next to one another. They’re separate rooms, and the bathroom door allows you to create an entirely different space. You can choose complementary styles or colors to create a sense of flow in the house or choose the counters that fit each room individually, regardless of the other.
Now, let’s dig into the details of quartz and why it’s becoming a preferred choice for the kitchen and countertops for the bathroom vanity.
Related: What Size Vanity Do I Need for Two Sinks?
What is Quartz?
Quartz is an engineered stone, which means that it is not used as a natural product in its basic state—it’s modified to be turned into countertops, floor tiles, and other materials. Unlike natural stones, this makes the material more affordable, yet it still retains many of the perks people appreciate about stone.
Quartz countertops are made of 90-95% quartz that is ground up and mixed with polymers and a polyester resin to create a binding agent. You can also add colors of your choice to the quartz during the creation process to create the perfect look. Quartz is also known for being one of the most abundant minerals and one of the hardest minerals that you will find on Earth.
Quartz is manufactured by several companies throughout the country and the world. Each brand has its methods, but many focus on eco-friendly efforts, which we’ll explore later in the pros and cons section. Let’s talk about why this engineered stone is becoming so popular.
Why is Quartz Becoming So Popular?
Light-colored quartz is becoming popular for all the reasons listed above and several others. This durable material provides the longevity people want from a natural stone without the high cost of something like granite or marble. People love this material because it is:
- Stylish
- Durable
- Stain and scratch-resistant
- Available in several colors
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
- Low maintenance
Related: How to Protect Wood Bath Vanities from Moisture
36 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Victory Blue with Choice of Top
Popular Colors of Quartz
There are several different colors of quartz available today. You will likely find just as many as you can imagine wanting, including in dark shades and lighter options. Some people still prefer dark blacks or charcoal gray colors, but today, light-colored quartz is popular because it can open up a room and give you more light. It also offers a surface that’s easy to see and work on, and it can easily hide small imperfections.
Popular quartz colors right now include:
- Gray
- White and gray marbled
- White and black
- Tan
- Tan/brown marbled
- Beige
- Ivory
- White
- Textured or marbled white
- Gray and tan marbled
In addition to these colors, people also choose to add various textures and designs to their quartz to create a unique look. You can create custom styles and designs or buy the countertops off the shelf and just choose the look you like best.
48 Inch Single Sink Bathroom Vanity in Cottage White with Choice of Top
The Pros and Cons of Choosing Quartz
There are several pros and cons to consider when looking at quartz (or any other countertop for that matter). You will need to think about durability, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, and quartz offers that, along with the look of a much more expensive material. It’s a good choice for long-lasting surfaces that don’t require much maintenance.
One disadvantage of quartz is that it doesn’t withstand heat and some materials like granite. Thus, you’ll want to continue to use hot pads and trivets to keep pans and hot plates from sitting on the counter so that you don’t cause damage.
On the other hand, though, these counters ARE great for bathrooms because they’re stone, so there’s never a moisture concern. They also offer the durability that bathroom counters need in any type of home. Since it’s a smaller space, it’s generally cheaper than premium counter materials. And again, you can choose from an endless selection of colors and designs to brighten the space and create the perfect look.
Then, there’s the fact that most quartz manufacturers are eco-conscious. This gives you the peace of mind that you’re buying a material that’s not harmful to the environment and sourced in the best ways possible. You can even take the time to research the options and find a supplier that does focus on environmentally friendly methods and sourcing if you want.
The pros and cons of quartz countertops are many. However, you can easily see that the pros outweigh the cons for the most part. This could be a perfect balance if you’re looking for premium counters and don’t want a premium price.
Related: Trending 72 Inch Bathroom Vanities: Everything You Need to Know
84 Inch Double Sink Bathroom Vanity in Ash Gray with Barn Door Style Doors
The Bottom Line
Light-colored quartz can change a lot about your bathroom or kitchen space. From lightening up the space to making the counters appear larger, it will add to the design in several ways. Plus, it offers a durable yet stylish material that can provide years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance and care.
While premium materials still have their place, those looking for a more affordable alternative will love the investment in quartz. It can even help enhance the value of your home in a renovated kitchen or bathroom space, which is great if you ever plan to sell.
Related: Now Offering Lexora Home Bathroom Vanities at UniqueVanities.com
Resources
bobvila.com/articles/quartz-countertops/
https://marble.com/articles/most-popular-quartz-countertop-colors
https://graniteselection.com/blog/the-best-quartz-countertop-colors-of-2019/
https://granitegold.com/blogs/blog/quartz-countertop-colors
https://www.archcitygranite.com/the-most-popular-quartz-countertop-colors-in-2018/