Pencil Edges Explained: The Subtle Countertop Detail That Makes A Big Impact

If you've ever accidentally smacked your hip (or worse, your head) on the corner of a sharp countertop, then you know the pain that follows and the bruise that lingers for days. Maybe you've debated round countertop corners, but something about that just feels so ... dated. Enter: pencil edges, a shape for countertops that gives off the same look as a straight-edge but lacks the pointedness that comes with it.

Pencil edges are what you get when you just slightly round the edge of a countertop so that it doesn't form a sharp 90-degree angle but instead gently slopes like the shape of a pencil, hence the name. These edges can completely transform the vibe of your kitchen from a dangerous obstacle course into a sleek, elegant environment. It creates a sophisticated look in whatever material it's made from, whether granite, quartz, marble, or others (here are 14 kitchen countertop materials explained). Beyond the single pencil edge, there are also double pencil edges, triple pencil edges, extended pencil edges, and beveled pencil edges.

Pencil edges rose to popularity in the mid-2000s and have remained a viable choice for kitchen countertops even all these years later. Not only can they make the kitchen safer, but the lack of straight-edged corners means that you're less likely to chip the countertop, which means less money out of your pocket in the years to come (and here's a helpful guide to understanding curved versus sharp edges). These are perhaps some of the easiest countertops to clean, since the gently sloped edges mean there are no funky nooks or crannies for dirt and grime to get stuck in.

While pencil edges can be a perfect fit for any modern or traditional kitchen, they don't necessarily make the best companion to mega-fancy, luxury kitchen designs. Although, if you're looking for a touch of a contemporary style that won't break the bank the way other more intricate countertop styles can, pencil-edges are for you (among 11 other ways to save money on kitchen countertops). Whether you're working with a small kitchen that has limited space or a wide, open range with plenty of flexibility, pencil edges can upgrade any countertop.