Black Quartz Countertops (12 Design Ideas For Your Kitchen)
Your kitchen is the heart of the home, and finding a countertop solution that is durable, low maintenance, easy to clean, and looks impressive can be a challenge. Black quartz countertops are a sophisticated, timeless feature for your kitchen design. The black quartz surfaces ticks all of the above and more. Let’s take a look at what makes this design feature so desirable, and the range of unique finishes available.
Quartz is an engineered stone, which means that, unlike its natural stone counterpart, it comprises a variety of different materials including natural stone, granite, and marble. It is completely unique. It’s also one of the hardest natural materials out there. The stone is heat and moisture-resistant, won’t scratch, is hard-wearing, and doesn’t need too much attention to keep it looking its best. A simple solution of soap and warm water is all that’s required for cleaning. The sleek, contemporary lines of black quartz countertops give it a timeless feel. Not to mention it’s black. A modern, statement shade that will always look stunning. Now for the exciting bit as we look into a few of the many finishes of the black quartz countertop.
Black Quartz Countertops Comparison Chart
A quick way to compare the most popular black quartz countertop finishes across look, upkeep and where each one shines. The Best For column helps you match the finish to your kitchen’s light, size and style before you commit.
| Finish | Look & Texture | Best For | Upkeep | Quick Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matte (Honed) | Smooth, low-sheen surface with the polish removed for a soft, non-reflective black | Cool, calm spaces where you don’t want light bouncing off every surface | Low – hides fingerprints and smudges | Wipe spills quickly; matte can show water spots until dry. |
| Glossy (Polished) | Light-reflecting shine that ranges from soft to near-mirror at the top tiers | Small or low-light kitchens that need to feel brighter and more spacious | Low – hides smears, shows dust | Ask for the gloss level (0–100%) so you control how much shine you get. |
| Black & White | Speckled or boldly veined black-and-white pattern with a granite-like feel | A classic, versatile look that suits both modern and traditional cabinets | Low | Choose the black-to-white ratio for a subtle speckle or a dramatic vein. |
| Black & Gold | Deep black stone threaded with warm gold veining for a luxe, marble-like effect | Bold statement kitchens that pair with brass or gold hardware | Low | A little gold goes a long way; balance the ratio so it reads rich, not busy. |
| Black Sparkle | Tiny mirrored flecks set in black that catch the light like small prisms | Adding subtle dimension and shimmer to an otherwise plain black surface | Low | The flecks stay small, so it reads as texture rather than glitter. |
| Black Galaxy | Jet-black background densely scattered with gold and copper speckles like a night sky | A dramatic, high-impact look for those who love lots of twinkle | Low | Pair with light cabinets so the speckles really pop. |
| Black Leather | Soft, velvety matte texture with a subtle sheen and rustic, tactile depth | Warm, organic kitchens that want texture and a hand-finished feel | Higher – daily microfiber wipe | Works best on darker quartz, where the texture shows off the stone. |
Budget note: black quartz runs roughly $50–$100 per square foot installed. When comparing quotes, confirm that seam joining, sink and fixture cutouts are included so you’re comparing the real bottom line.
Matte Black Quartz
Also referred to as ‘honed’ quartz, the matte finish on this style of countertop lacks the shine of its glossier equivalent. The quartz is ground down to create a smooth, consistent surface with minimal reflection. Perfect if you’re aiming to create a cool and comfortable space where the light doesn’t bounce off all surfaces. To create the matte finish, the natural polish found on quartz is removed, resulting in the stone appearing lighter, yet still retaining its original look just without the extra shine! The matte finish is ideal for hiding any sneaky fingerprints and smudges.
Glossy Quartz
This ‘glossier’ option continues to be hugely popular, and it’s not hard to see why. The key feature of this choice of finish is its light reflecting properties, making the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious. If you’re already feeling concerned about the level of shine, fear not. The finish comes in several tiers of ‘glossy’ which range from 0-100%, with the options at the top of the scale resembling a mirrored feel. Worth knowing as you consider your choices. Like the matte option, this finish is also pretty good at hiding those inevitable kitchen smears you will get.
Black and White
Black and white as a color combination will always be a classic. A hit for the kitchen interiors of the ‘80s, this color combo still remains a modern option today. While the use of quartz wasn’t as popular in the 80s, designers have cleverly incorporated this stone alongside the black and white color scheme into 21st century kitchens. And there’s a variety of options to choose from, depending on the ratio of each color featured. With a look similar to granite, a black and white quartz countertop can match a wide variety of design styles. Read more about quartz vs granite here.
Does your dream countertop consist of a speckled black and white effect, with both colors represented in equal measure? Perhaps you’ve been inspired by a contemporary kitchen island – all black, with a lightning strike of white running through it, or a white island – with a hint of black running through it? The black and white quartz veined options would be worth looking into.
Black and Gold
If you want your kitchen to be bold, then this is the choice for you. Black and gold as a color combination is quite simply, cool. Similar to the black and white quartz countertop option, the ratio of black and gold is what will make the difference between a statement countertop, or a more subtle one. Regardless of how much gold you’re brave enough to feature, this option is an edgy, sophisticated finish that’s bound to be a conversation starter.
Black Sparkle
With slight mirrored flecks or ‘sparkles’ featured in the design, the sparkled countertop is incredibly eye catching, and can look incredible. Some customers have referred to the flecks as small prisms which, when hit with the light reflect the colors of the rainbow. If the thought of sparkles makes you recoil, the sparkles themselves generally aren’t too big in size, and do help to add an extra dimension to the plain black finish.
Black Galaxy Quartz
If the sparkle quartz countertop isn’t for you, then the black galaxy quartz definitely won’t be. We’re no longer talking sparkles here but milky-way levels of twinkle! For anyone who isn’t adverse to this kind of look, there’s something quite magical about this finish. Featuring a jet black background, layered with beautiful gold speckles, excuse the pun but this option will definitely take you to intergalactic space.
Black Leather Quartz
The leather quartz countertop has become increasingly popular in recent years, and its rustic appearance has played a huge role in this. The leathered look, most commonly used on darker quartz highlights the unique textures and colors of the original stone. This distinctive finish is resultant of an abrasive process that creates a velvet look of matte and shine, comparable to leather. Rather than the glossier finishes described earlier, the leather quartz is matte in appearance. Slightly higher maintenance than some of the other options, this finish will require daily cleaning with a micro-fiber cloth and cleaning agent.
Black Quartz Cost
When sourcing quotes for your stunning new countertop, be sure to clarify what it is that’s included in the price. Some companies fail to mention the cost of: seam joining, fixture cutouts, sink cutouts etc. all of which should form part of the installation cost – but not always! Taking a ballpark figure, the price of quartz ranges from $50-$100 per square foot including installation.
If you’re thinking of installing a black quartz countertop, there are certainly many different options to consider when it comes to the finish you’re looking for. It’s important to consider the kitchen design, the lighting, and your preferences for a statement interior. Whatever you decide, quartz is an incredibly practical, and beautiful stone that works exceptionally well as a countertop.
To showcase highly specific designs, some images on this website use advanced AI-generation software to illustrate ideas and room inspiration. See our editorial policy to learn more.
Upload a photo and get instant before-and-after room designs.
No design experience needed — join 2.39 million+ happy users.
👉 Try the AI design tool now
Â
