The 5 best worktop colours for a small kitchen - enhance the sense of space with these clever shades

Picking a worktop for your kitchen can pose a decision-making dilemma at the best times, but if you're kitchen is on the smaller size, it's an important choice to get right.

While you might have studied small kitchen ideas and nailed down what colour kitchen cabinets you're having, and even chosen wall and flooring colours, you could have found yourself wondering what colour worktops are best in a small kitchen and it's a worthy element to ponder.

Whether you go for wood, stone, marble or veneer, getting the colour wrong, could end up costing more at a later date plus put your dream kitchen into jeopardy. If your compact kitchen space also has little natural light, this could also pose an issue, so it's important to take that into consideration.

We've asked the experts for their advice when it comes to what colour worktops are best in a small kitchen and have listed the results for you here.

1. White

One of the most popular kitchen worktop ideas is to opt for a firm favourite- a bright, white worktop, ideal for a kitchen on the smaller side. Choosing white will not only give the illusion of more space, but it allows you to have more fun with other elements of the kitchen such as kitchen cabinet ideas.

Sinead Trainor, kitchen category manager at LochAnna Kitchens advises, 'When choosing worktops for a small kitchen, especially if it has limited natural light , opt for lighter colours. Opting for a soft neutral like white can help reflect light and create the illusion of a larger, more open space.'

'Keeping your worktop white also allows you to experiment with cabinetry, accessories, or splashbacks - so you can dip into colour trends without overpowering the space,' she continues.

This Lucida white compact worktop is stain and scratch resistant and will instantly modernise your kitchen space.

2. Grey

The next shade of worktop you could opt for in your bijou kitchen is cool and contemporary grey. Not as stark as white, it again acts as a neutral base that pairs with most colours, and is a great colour to use when wondering how to make a small kitchen look bigger.

Oli Webb, director at Cullifords explains, 'When designing a small kitchen, the choice of worktop colour can significantly impact how spacious and inviting the room feels. Opting for a lighter colour palette such as soft grey, is a fantastic way to enhance a sense of space and brightness, especially in kitchens with a compact layout.'

'Materials with a subtle sheen or reflective surface, like Carrara marble, can help bounce light around the room, adding a sense of depth and openness,' he continues. 'For example, grey or off-white marbles with delicate veining not only provide visual interest but also contribute to a brighter, airier feel. These can be used on both worktops and kitchen splashbacks for a seamless, cohesive look.'

Sinead adds, 'For long-lasting trends, you can’t go wrong with natural effects. Natural-looking worktops such as quartz are beautiful statement pieces that remain timeless, and a subtle marble effect worktop can also add texture without overwhelming the room. A natural-coloured worktop can be paired with anything, meaning you can change the colour of your cabinetry over time based on different trends but be assured that the worktop will always match.'

3. Warm neutrals

If you're looking to add some warmth to your cosy kitchen, then a good colour worktop to go for is cream or beige.

Alex Main, director at The Main Company advises, 'For those with smaller kitchens or those lacking natural light, choosing a light coloured worktop is an effortless way to help the room feel more spacious and airy. Opting for a warm beige or cream, in a material like quartz or concrete, is a great option for homeowners looking for durable and long-lasting worktops that also amplify natural and artificial light. Pair these worktops with a similar coloured wall to draw the eye up, helping with the illusion of space and fluidity.'

Oli agrees adding, 'If pure white feels too stark, warmer neutrals or soft cream or pastel tones can bring in warmth without compromising the overall sense of lightness. Textured finishes or subtle patterns can also add character while maintaining that open feel.'

'Ultimately, the goal is to keep the space feeling uncluttered and bright, and choosing the right worktop colour plays a central role in achieving that.'

4. Light wood

If you're looking to add a bit more texture to your cooking space and you're yearning for more of a traditional kitchen, then opting for a wooden worktop could be the way to go.

'For a smaller kitchen, it is important to maximise the space- or at least give the illusion of more space- dependent on your personal style,' comments Marie Tenglund, interior design leader at IKEA UK and Ireland.

'Using lighter worktop shades is a simple way to brighten a space and make even the smallest rooms feel more open and spacious. It gives your kitchen a modern, airy look and helps create the illusion of space with clean, simple lines—perfect for smaller layouts. However, if you would like to incorporate some texture into your worktops without a darker colour, the PINNARP worktop is available in a light ash colour.'

Sinead adds, 'If you want to create a space that is a little warmer, pale wood tones are a great choice for kitchen worktops as they bring warmth and character while still keeping things bright.'

5. Aluminium

Finally, for a more industrial kitchen, an aluminium or stainless steel kitchen worktop could work wonders in a small kitchen.

Their light-reflective surface allows them to bounce light around the smallest of spaces and their durability means it will endure busy family life.

Marie says, 'For those with specific measurements in a cosy kitchen, the SÄLJAN worktop offers custom-made finishes available in a light grey stone effect as well as an aluminium effect. This design offers a sleek and clean look that is also durable and easy to maintain. Opting for a lighter worktop creates a bright, cohesive surface that enhances the sense of space, even in the most modest of kitchens.'

So which colour worktop do you think you'll choose for your compact kitchen?