Kitchen renovations are no small feat. Not only do they require a long list of design decisions, but each feature also involves a significant investment. So when a remodel goes wrong, frustration soon follows.
That’s been the case for hair stylist Olivia Yeager. In a recent Instagram post, she detailed the six things she regrets from her kitchen renovation. First on the list? What she calls a “basic countertop edge,” explaining she didn’t know she had options when it came to her counters’ edge shape.
“I wish I would have done a more decorative edge,” she says in the video. “It would have been better for the aesthetic we were going for.”
Commenters were quick to weigh in, with many pointing out that decorative edges—like ogee countertops—are actually a nuisance because they can be difficult to clean. One Instagrammer called the edge a “fancy dust and food collector,” while another dubbed it a “dirt catcher.”
But does an ogee counter really make your kitchen harder to clean? Here’s what pros say.
Related: This Coveted Kitchen Countertop Material May Be Beautiful, but Designers Say It’s a Bad Idea
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An ogee countertop edge
Pros and Cons of Ogee Countertops
“Like most things, there are pros and cons to having an ogee countertop, but it all depends on what you value more: maintenance or looks?” says Jade Piper, operations manager at Milwaukee-based cleaning company BetterCleans. “The curvy design, which definitely gives it an elegant look, also means you have to take a bit more time to wipe it down.”
She suggests beginning with a damp microfiber cloth, then following with a dry one. It’s not overly labor intensive, but “you really need to get into those grooves, and there’s even more work if you polish often,” she adds.
It’s also worth working with a contractor who knows their stuff. “The practicality of an ogee edge largely depends on how defined the profile is, the finish quality, and the overall craftsmanship,” says Kim Dreiling, co-owner and designer at Kitchen Creations, Ltd. in Denver. “If the curve is smooth, not too deep, and well-polished, it will not trap crumbs, grease, or dust, and it’ll be easy to clean.”
Still, no matter what the finish quality is, if you take the time to keep up with maintenance, you won’t be dealing with a lifetime of countertop gunk.
“I always ask clients how much maintenance they’re comfortable with, as anything with raised detail—like hardware, cabinets, wall trim, or countertop edges—needs a little extra love to keep it looking sharp,” adds kitchen and bathroom designer Brittney Luedecke. “If people don’t mind a bit of upkeep, an ogee edge really can make a kitchen feel special.”
The consensus seems to be that there are trade-offs: style and elegance for a few extra minutes of attention.
Related: 20 Tips for Keeping Clutter Off Your Kitchen Countertops
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