Move over, brass – stainless steel is reclaiming its place in our kitchens, but not in the way you might expect. Instead of hardware and faucets, this metallic finish is the new go-to material for countertops. And whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying it's making a comeback.
But your kitchen countertop ideas are more than just a stylistic choice. They have to be incredibly durable for a kitchen to remain functional and hardworking. So, are stainless steel countertops a practical choice, and are they as stylish as everyone thinks?
I've asked interior designers that very question to find out if stainless steel countertops will stand the test of time, in both a functional and style-focused sense. And if these spaces are anything to go by, I hope they're here for good.
Should you choose stainless steel kitchen countertops?
Over the last year or so, warm-toned metals have proved the most popular in kitchens, especially when it comes to designing a timeless space. But cooler finishes have been slowly creeping back into kitchen trends, from chrome decor to the rise of brushed nickel hardware. So, what about stainless steel countertops?
'Stainless steel is timeless, functional, and, to me, absolutely gorgeous. With a range of tones, textures, and thicknesses, it allows for true customization, perfect for the kitchen purist who loves stainless,' says Jennie Bishop, founding principal of Bishop Studio.
Whether or not you choose stainless steel countertops will depend on your interior design style. In more cottage-style, country kitchens, stainless steel will feel really misplaced, but in more retro kitchens, contemporary designs, and even some traditional kitchens, it's a material that can feel utterly chic.
'I love stainless, and we have been lucky enough to use it in three past kitchens, and we are designing one currently. I love a vintage or radial sanded stainless that is pre-scratched, so wear and tear is not as visible,' Jennie notes, explaining that it's a more versatile finish than you might expect.
However, as with any countertop material, it's only a good choice if it's actually practical for the requirements of your main kitchen surface. How it holds up to heat, water, and wear and tear are all super important factors when choosing the right countertop.
'Stainless is beyond practical,' Jennie confirms. 'It's non-porous, won’t chip, crack, stain, or absorb, it can withstand high heat, and it fits in settings from ultra traditional to uber modern. It patinas well and can last a lifetime. Additionally, it’s 100% recyclable.'
Although stainless steel is undeniably durable for use as kitchen countertops, there are a few things to consider before committing to them in your design. Even stainless steel that has been prepped and treated will not stay flawless over time.
'If an end user wants a pristine, perfect material that does not show patina, this is not the material for them. As mentioned, the vintage stainless is pre-buffed to minimize future scratches, but it’s not perfect, and that’s what makes it imperfectly perfect [in the right setting],' she explains.
In many ways, stainless steel is much like marble countertops in the sense that the way they patina and age is part of their charm. It's a feature that adds character and interest, but is, understandably, not to everyone's taste.
However, if you aren't particular about a more aged look, you will probably love the way stainless steel counters evolve the longer you have and use them.
How you style stainless steel countertops is also really important. It's a cool-toned look that can feel cold when paired with the wrong finishes, colors, and materials, so contrast and layering are key.
'Pairing stainless with warm materials gives a nice balance to a room. It harmonizes well with warm woods and stone, [so either] is a good idea,' says Jennie, who recommends introducing this contrast, particularly in more traditional spaces.
On the other hand, more modern designs require a different approach, embracing the cooler finish and contemporary look. 'If it's in an ultra-modern setting, lean into its industrial edge for a sleek, statement-making look,' she suggests.
A popular choice is to go all-in with metallic kitchen finishes, as shown in the kitchen above, where stainless steel countertops have been paired with cabinetry in the same material. Butter yellow is a great choice for a more colorful design – it's a chic pairing for a retro-inspired space reminiscent of a 90s kitchen.
Shop stainless steel kitchenware
If you're not ready to brave a full stainless steel countertop, or you love the look but aren't planning a remodel, these stainless steel kitchen accessories and decor are a great option to bring the chic appeal of this material into your space.
If you want to bring a touch of stainless steel into your kitchen, accessories are a great place to start. This set of two stainless steel cruets, which comes with a stunning green marble base, is perfect for adding a cool-toned finish to your countertops.
Our resident kitchen appliance expert, Lydia Hayman, has coined this coffee maker as one of her favorites (you can read her full review here). It's also made from stainless steel, so it fits perfectly into this trend.
Whether you display your glassware on kitchen shelving or on a dedicated bar cart, this stainless steel coupe is a chic way to bring the material into your kitchen and beyond – ideal for displaying and elevating tablescapes.
Prefer to make your coffee the old-school way? This ESPRO P7 French Press comes in both brushed and polished stainless steel, depending on the look you prefer. It's also been reviewed by Lydia as one of the best non-toxic coffee makers.
If you have the space to extend your countertops or to add a freestanding island, this stainless steel work table is a great way to experiment with this trending material without undertaking a full remodel.
Available in two sizes, this stainless steel serving bowl is the perfect way to elevate your basic fruit bowl or as a chic kitchen island centerpiece. It's another simple way to give boring countertops a refresh if you're not ready to invest in new ones.
Stainless steel kitchen countertops are very much a functional and on-trend choice – and it's a design feature that's going nowhere anytime soon. It's a bold choice, but it has a timeless appeal to it that really stands the test of time. And while there are many kitchen countertop materials going out of style this year, this cool-toned metallic is not one of them.
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