Quartz countertops have become an increasingly popular option for kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects in recent years. With their durability, low maintenance, and customizability, it’s easy to see why quartz has become a top choice for many homeowners. However, one common misconception is that quartz countertops only come in white. This simply isn’t true, as quartz is available in a wide array of colors and patterns. Keep reading to learn more about the color options for quartz countertops and whether they are always white.
What is Quartz?
Before diving into the color options for quartz countertops, it’s helpful to understand exactly what quartz is. Quartz is an engineered stone made from roughly 90% ground natural quartz blended with polyresin binders under high pressure. It’s similar to natural stone like granite or marble but without the porosity and maintenance issues.
The quartz used in countertops is extremely hard and durable. It’s resistant to scratches, stains, burns, and cracks. It also doesn’t require yearly sealing like natural stone. This makes it an ideal choice for busy kitchens prone to spills and stains. The addition of polyresin allows quartz to come in a wide variety of colors and patterns that mimic natural stone but with more consistency.
Quartz Countertop Color Options
With a good understanding of what quartz is, we can now dive into the many color options available. Quartz manufacturers like Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, and others offer tons of unique colors and designs. Here is an overview of the most popular quartz countertop color options:
Whites
While white quartz is common, there are actually many shades of white available:
- Pure bright whites like Blizzard or Polar from Caesarstone
- Softer whites like Calacatta Nuvo from Caesarstone
- Whites with grey veining like Frosty Carrina from Cambria
- Off-whites/creams like Oyster or Creme Brulee from Silestone
So even just among whites, there are numerous possibilities to fit your style. A bright white quartz can create a clean, crisp look, while an off-white adds a bit more warmth.
Tans/Browns
For those who prefer earthy tones, quartz manufacturers offer many tan and brown color options. Some examples include:
- Light tans like Caesarstone Original Beach or Silestone Kensho
- Dark chocolate browns like Caesarstone Negro Nuvo
- Brown quartz with grey veining or patches like Calacatta D’oro from MSI
Browns and tans pair beautifully with cabinets, floors, and decor in styles like rustic, farmhouse, and craftsman designs.
Grays
Grey has become a trendy kitchen and bath color choice, so many quartz options fall in the grey color family:
- Cool light grays like Fossil from Silestone
- Medium greys like London Grey from Caesarstone
- Dark charcoal grays like Nero Assoluto from Cambria
- Grey quartz with veining in shades like Taj Royale from Silestone
Greys can create modern, urban kitchens or lay a nice neutral foundation. Light greys also work well in bathrooms.
Blacks
For a bold, dramatic look, black quartz countertops are an option. Some popular black varieties include:
- Jet Black from Silestone
- Absolute Black from Caesarstone
- Midnight Storm from MSI
Black countertops can make a powerful statement, especially when paired with lighter cabinetry. They also disguise scratches and marks well. However, black quartz can show dust, so they require more frequent cleaning.
Blues
While less common than whites, greys, and blacks, blue quartz provides a unique pop of color:
- Light sky blues like Cloudy from Caesarstone
- Bold navy blues like Atlantis from Silestone
- Blue quartz with a marble look like Calacatta Lagoon from Cambria
Blue quartz can create a relaxing, spa-like feel or vibrant coastal vibe. It works well for kids’ bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Greens
Emerald and sage greens are also available for those seeking an earthy yet colorful look:
- Light greens like Caesarstone Organic White and Piatra Grey
- Dark emerald greens like Silestone Helix
- Green quartz with white veining like Cambria Ellesmere
Green quartz allows you to bring nature indoors. It can complement arts & crafts, farmhouse, or modern cottage styles.
Reds/Oranges
Red and orange quartz countertops make a bold statement. Options range from vivid solid colors to neutral patterns with red accents:
- Bright reds like Mont Blanc from Silestone
- Warm terra cotta tones like Russet from Cambria
- Neutrals with red veining like Taj Mahal from Caesarstone
Red adds drama, passion, and excitement. It can create a glamorous or rustic vibe. Red works well with cherry or mahogany cabinets.
Neutrals
Some popular neutral quartz colors include:
- Creams like Caesarstone Nougat
- Light golds like Caesarstone Nashville
- Classic granites like St. Cecilia or Taj Mahal from Caesarstone
- Marble looks like Calacatta Gold from Silestone
Neutral quartz colors are versatile and pair well with many styles. They disguise marks and feel both traditional and modern.
Multi-Colored Quartz
In addition to solid colored slabs, many quartz companies offer slabs with multiple colors blended together. For example:
- Blues, browns, greys, and whites swirled together like Et Calacatta from Caesarstone
- Aggregate styles with chips of glass, shell, and stone like Eternal Marquina from Silestone
- Quartz made to mimic natural stone like sandstone, soapstone, and onyx
Multi-colored quartz provides visual interest with natural patterns, movements, and depth. The colors are blended randomly so no two countertops will be exactly alike.
Benefits of White Quartz Countertops
With all the color possibilities available, you may be wondering why white quartz remains so popular. Here are some of the benefits of white quartz countertops specifically:
- Brightens up spaces and reflects more light
- Creates a clean, crisp, modern look
- Versatile color that matches any style
- Lighter colors highlight veining and patterns
- Disguises fingerprints and makes cleaning easier
- Contrasts nicely with dark cabinetry or floors
- Expansive feel – light counters suit open floor plans
- Easy to decorate around and match accessories to
- Popular resale color for upgrading kitchens/baths
So while white quartz is common, there are good reasons for its popularity and prevalence. A white quartz island or countertop provides a lightweight, breezy feel that suits many homeowner’s preferences.
Integrating Color
One idea if you like colored quartz but want to stick with a lighter palette is to do a multi-toned design. For example, doing a white quartz slab as the main surface with an accent island or countertop in a bolder blue, green, or gray shade. This allows you to incorporate color while keeping the space light and airy overall.
Another option is white quartz countertops with a colorful mosaic tile backsplash. The backsplash injects visual interest, brightness, and personality to balance out the white counters. Mixing materials and colors is a great way to customize your kitchen or bath.
Conclusion
As you can see, quartz countertops are far from limited to white. While white remains popular, quartz now comes in virtually any color you can imagine from vivid brights to striking dark shades. The array of options allows you to perfectly match your countertop to your personal style.
If you seek a minimalist modern look, white quartz is a perfect canvas. But if you want to make a bold statement with color, quartz offers that flexibility too. Many companies also provide digital visualization tools to help you preview different colors in your space before purchasing.
So be sure to check out all the possibilities before deciding quartz must be white. The right colorful quartz can bring your whole design together and become the star focal point. With some smart planning, you can have durable low-maintenance quartz countertops while still incorporating spectacular pops of color. Don’t limit yourself to white alone, and you may be delighted by the dramatic transformation the right color quartz can bring to your kitchen or bath.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quartz Countertop Colors
Here are answers to some common questions homeowners have about the color options for quartz countertops:
Are quartz countertops only available in white?
No, quartz countertops come in many colors beyond basic white. Quartz manufacturers like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Silestone offer tons of options ranging from light creams to dark shades of gray, brown, black, blue, green, red, and more.
What’s the most popular quartz countertop color?
White and light grey tones tend to be the most popular. Bright white quartz provides a clean, airy look. Medium greys like London Grey and Taj Royale blend well with many color schemes. However, trends come and go, and unique colors are gaining popularity.
Can you get quartz countertops in black?
Yes, black quartz has become an on-trend dramatic choice. Leading brands like Caesarstone and Silestone provide deeply pigmented black options. Black quartz can make a statement and pairs nicely with light cabinets. Just note black shows scratches and dust more readily.
Do quartz countertops come in wood brown colors?
Absolutely. Brands like Silestone and Caesarstone offer quartz designed to mimic natural wood tones in brown, beige, and tan. These earthy quartz colors pair nicely with wood cabinetry and rustic or farmhouse decor.
Can quartz be made to look like marble?
Yes, many brands provide marble-look quartz options. Varieties like Calacatta Gold and Calacatta Nuvo mimic the veining and movement of natural Italian marble. Quartz offers these visuals with more durability and lower maintenance.
What colors complement white quartz countertops?
White quartz pairs well with virtually any cabinetry, flooring, or decor color. Gray, blue, green, black, or wood-tone cabinets all complement white counters nicely. For walls, any light neutrals work well, along with bold accent colors.
How much does quartz countertop color affect the price?
Pricing varies slightly by color with some premium options costing more. But pricing is largely based on overall quartz quality and reputation of the manufacturer. Simple whites are often the most budget-friendly options.
Can a quartz countertop color be customized?
Most quartz is limited to the manufacturer’s standard color options. However, a few companies like Caesarstone offer custom color matching if you have a special request. Expect to pay a premium for full custom color design.
Final Thoughts
The key is that quartz countertops now offer colors and patterns to suit any taste. While white remains popular, colors like grays, browns, blues, greens, reds, and blacks give you design flexibility. Be sure to browse different brand catalogs online to get a feel for possibilities. Many show options installed in real kitchens. Then visit warehouse showrooms to view slabs in person. With some smart planning, you can have the durable low-maintenance quartz you want in a shade that makes a statement.