Granite Countertop Colours: How to Choose the Perfect Shade for Your Kitchen
Granite countertops are a timeless choice for kitchens, offering durability, natural beauty, and a wide variety of colour options. But with so many shades and patterns to choose from, selecting the right granite countertop colours can feel overwhelming. In this guide, Natural Stone City will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently choose the ideal countertop — whether you’re going for a cozy, rustic feel or a sleek, modern look.
2) Evaluate Natural and Artificial Lighting
3) Match with Cabinetry Colour and Style
4) Align with Your Design Aesthetic
5) Light vs. Dark Granite: Benefits & Style Tips
6) Final Tips for Choosing the Right Colour
The key to picking the perfect countertop is to consider your kitchen’s size, lighting, cabinetry, and overall design aesthetic. Click on the links to learn more or continue reading. Better yet, contact us at Natural Stone City to schedule your visit so we can discuss your unique countertop project!
Choose the perfect granite countertop colours to bring your dream kitchen to life! - *Image by MSI Surfaces
Choosing the Perfect Granite Countertop Colours
1) Consider Your Kitchen Size
Kitchen size is probably the number one factor to consider when selecting granite countertop colours. The type of granite you choose should enhance your space. The right granite colour can make a small kitchen feel more spacious or add depth to a large kitchen. Let’s compare the two options.
Smaller Kitchens
If you have a smaller kitchen, it is usually best to opt for lighter granite colours like White Ice, River White, or Colonial Cream. These colours can help smaller kitchens feel more open and spacious. Their reflective surfaces bounce natural and artificial light around the room, creating a brighter feel. And, if you pair light granite with light cabinetry, you’ll enhance the openness of your kitchen even more.
Now, some of you are probably thinking you’d love some colour. This raises the question: Can you still use colourful granite in a small kitchen? Yes — absolutely! The key is to strike a balance between colour and brightness.
Adding Colour
If you want to add personality without overwhelming the space, go for granite with a light base and subtle, colourful accents. Think soft greys, whites, or creams with hints of burgundy, blue, or gold.
Recommended options for small kitchens:
River White – Light with soft burgundy and grey veining
Colonial White – Creamy tones with rose and grey specks
Kashmir White – Cool white with specks of red and taupe
Bianco Antico – Elegant mix of white, taupe, and pink undertones
Pro Tip: Keep the cabinetry and walls light to reflect more natural light and make your colourful granite the star without darkening the room.
Learn more about the design tricks that enhance smaller kitchens and make them appear larger than they truly are.
Larger Kitchens
Darker granite colours such as Ubatuba, Black Galaxy, or Steel Grey make a bold statement but may visually shrink smaller kitchens. However, in large kitchens, dark granite can add depth and richness without overwhelming the space.
Alternatively, just as some people want to add colour to their small kitchen, some of you might prefer light granite in your larger kitchen. So let’s answer the other question: What if I have a large kitchen but want light granite?
Adding Light Granite
Light granite can look just as stunning in large kitchens — and it’s perfect for creating a clean, open, and elegant atmosphere. The key is to introduce texture, contrast, and warmth to avoid the space feeling too sterile or washed out.
Here’s how to make light granite work in a large space:
Add contrast with darker cabinets, island bases, or bold hardware
Use backsplashes with texture or subtle pattern to add interest
Choose granite with movement, like veining or speckling, to prevent the surface from looking too flat
Here are some examples of light granite options that shine in large kitchens:
White Ice – Crisp and clean with subtle dark veining
Alaska White – A dramatic blend of whites and soft greys with darker accents
Andino White – White with warm tones and elegant motion
Monte Cristo – A mix of white, grey, and charcoal in a soft swirl pattern
As you can see, you're not boxed into either light or dark granite countertop colours; however, you should be intentional about the overall effect of your choices.
Pro Tip: If you want to stay all-light, warm it up with brass or wood accents, statement lighting, or a textured backsplash.
2) Evaluate Natural and Artificial Lighting
Notice the lighting in this kitchen and how it interacts with the Bianco and Romano White Granite. - *Image by MSI Surfaces
As touched on briefly in the first section, lighting plays a huge role in how granite looks and feels in your kitchen, more than many homeowners realize. Granite has natural mineral patterns that reflect light differently depending on the finish and stone composition. Here’s the basic breakdown: Well-lit kitchens can handle darker granite tones without looking gloomy, whereas dimly lit kitchens benefit from light or mid-tone granite to prevent the space from feeling heavy. Let’s get into this in greater detail.
How Lighting Affects Granite Colour Choice
Granite is a natural stone with complex patterns and reflective mineral content, and lighting dramatically influences how these elements appear. Understanding how natural and artificial light interact with granite can help you make the best choice for your space. Here is a highlight on the different types of lighting and the impact it has on your choice of granite countertop colours:
Natural Light: Brings Out True Colour & Pattern
South-facing kitchens get a lot of daylight, so darker granites (like Black Galaxy or Ubatuba) won’t make the space feel too heavy.
North-facing kitchens tend to be cooler and dimmer. Here, light-coloured granite (Kashmir White, Colonial Cream) can help brighten things up.
Pro Tip: Look at granite samples in morning, midday, and evening light to see how they shift. Some granites, like Bianco Antico, have subtle colours that only pop in certain lighting conditions.
Artificial Lighting: Warm vs. Cool Tones
Warm lighting (yellow-toned bulbs) brings out gold, cream, and beige tones in granite. Perfect for traditional or cozy kitchens.
Cool lighting (white or bluish LED) enhances greys, whites, and blues, giving a modern, crisp look.
Pro Tip: Match your granite choice with the type of lighting you plan to use. If your lights are very cool, granite with warm undertones might look off-balance.
Learn more about how to get the lighting right in your kitchen as it can either work for or against your countertop colours.
Types of Lighting & Their Impact
Overhead lights cast broad light across the stone, enhancing movement and veining.
Under-cabinet lighting highlights small details and brings out colours in speckled or flecked granite.
Pendant lights over islands can create dramatic effects on darker granite with metallic or crystal flecks (like Black Galaxy).
Pro Tip: Granite in a showroom under bright, commercial lights may appear lighter or more uniform than it will in your home. Always take a sample home and test it under your own kitchen’s lighting conditions before making a final decision. Remember, view them in the morning, afternoon, and evening light before deciding.
3) Match with Cabinetry Colour and Style
Your cabinets are a major visual element and should work in harmony with your countertop. Here’s a quick pairing guide along with visual examples:
Light Cabinets (White, Cream, Pale Grey)
Contrast with dark granite (e.g. Black Pearl, Emerald Pearl, Tan Brown) for a striking, modern look. Or, blend with light granite (Bianco Romano, Moon White) for a seamless, airy feel.
Pictured: Titanium Granite by MSI Surfaces
Dark Cabinets (Espresso, Navy, Black)
Light granite offers a beautiful contrast and keeps the room from feeling too dark. Dark granite creates a moody, elegant tone — best for large, open kitchens.
Pictured: Arctic Valley White Granite by MSI Surfaces
Wood Cabinets (Maple, Oak, Cherry)
Choose granite with warm undertones (Giallo Ornamental, Santa Cecilia, Venetian Gold) to complement the natural wood grain.
Pictured: Savanna Gold Granite by MSI Savanna
4) Align with Your Design Aesthetic
Are you designing a farmhouse kitchen, a modern space, or something in between? Your granite choice should reflect your overall kitchen style. Here is an overview of various kitchen styles and the accompanying recommendations for granite countertop colours.
a) Modern Kitchens
Colour Recommendations:
Black Galaxy, Steel Grey, White Ice, Leathered finishes
Pictured: Steel Grey Leathered Granite
b) Traditional Kitchens
Colour Recommendations:
Santa Cecilia, Baltic Brown, Giallo Ornamental
Pictured: Santa Cecilia Granite
c) Farmhouse Kitchens
Colour Recommendations:
River White, Alaska White, Colonial Cream
Pictured: River White Granite
d) Transitional Kitchens
Colour Recommendations:
Kashmir White, Bianco Antico, Tan Brown
Pictured: Bianco Antico Granite
e) Rustic Kitchens
Colour Recommendations:
Bordeaux, Typhoon Bordeaux, Desert Beach, Desert Brown
Pictured: Desert Beach Granite
Do you want more inspiration for choosing your granite countertop colours? Click here to try our counterop quiz! It is easy and fun to use.
Or, click here to jump ahead and see photos and details of the various granite countertop colours that are available!
5) Light vs. Dark Granite: Benefits & Style Tips
Colonial White Granite vs Titanium Granite - *Images by MSI Surfaces
In this section, we’ve got some more tips on what the benefits are of both light and dark granite, as well as the colours for your kitchen. We’ll outline some popular colour options as well!
Light Granite
Benefits
The benefits of choosing light granite include the following:
Makes small kitchens feel larger
Brightens up the room
Timeless and neutral – works well with nearly any cabinet colour
The only downside is that it is more likely to show stains, although granite is generally stain-resistant when sealed!
Popular Colours
Some popular colours you can choose from include:
White Ice – Clean and modern
River White – Subtle movement with warm undertones
Colonial White – Creamy base with speckles for visual interest
For more light granite options, contact our staff at Natural Stone City. We would be glad to help!
Dark Granite
Benefits
In contrast, here are the benefits of dark granite:
Creates drama and contrast
Hides stains and crumbs well
Ideal for contemporary and luxurious kitchen styles
Just keep in mind that dark granite may feel too heavy in small or dark kitchens.
Popular Colours
If you are going to choose dark granite, here are some popular options to consider:
Black Galaxy – Sleek with gold specks
Ubatuba – Deep green-black with subtle movement
Steel Grey – Cool-toned, versatile, and matte when leathered
Looking for more suggestions? Call us!
6) Final Tips for Choosing the Right Colour
Visit us in Kitchener or London to see our samples or take them home to test them in you own kitchen!
As we wrap up this blog on tips to help you choose the perfect shade of granite for your kitchen, here are some final tips and reminders.
Get samples and test them in your kitchen’s lighting.
Think long-term — granite is a lasting investment.
Use your countertop to either blend with the rest of your design or provide a contrast to make it stand out.
Don't forget the backsplash — it should complement, not clash with, your granite choice.
Remember, seeing granite in real-life kitchen settings can help bring your ideas to life. Use these visuals along with those in our showroom to narrow down your options and envision how different tones will work in your own space.
Ready to Choose Your Perfect Granite?
Granite countertops are a smart, stylish upgrade that bring timeless beauty and durability to any kitchen. By considering your kitchen’s layout, lighting, cabinetry, and design aesthetic, you can confidently select granite countertop colours that complement your home for years to come.
At Natural Stone City, we proudly serve homeowners and contractors from our offices in Kitchener and London, Ontario. As a trusted granite and natural stone supplier, we offer a wide selection of high-quality granite slabs — each handpicked for its natural beauty and performance.
Whether you're renovating or building new, our team is here to help you:
Explore a wide range of granite colours and finishes
Choose the right stone for your kitchen’s style and size based on expert advice tailored to your needs
Take home samples to see how granite looks in your own space
When you buy from Natural Stone City you’ll get installations in as little as 1 week and help from our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are experienced stone countertop specialists. Visit our Kitchener or London showroom to see our full selection in person or contact us and we will help you choose the perfect countertop for your home wherever you are.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Natural Stone City provided top notch service and quality. From the first time we walked into the showroom through to final installation, they went above and beyond to ensure that their costumer is not just satisfied, but truly happy with their investment. We especially want to publicly recognize and thank Maria for taking the time to walk us through the warehouse explaining the pro’s and con’s of different choices. This being our first time through the process of choosing countertops for the kitchen and bathroom, Maria’s knowledge and honesty was invaluable. We give this company and all their employees the highest ratings possible and will recommend them to everyone we know. Go visit them, you will not be disappointed!”
— Rob Coutts
