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Having looked at what basin to choose for the bathroom, in this new article we will help you choose the materials for your countertop, another key component of your bathroom.
First of all…. what is the countertop? It is the surface we use every day, an item of furniture that has both an important aesthetic and functional role to play in the bathroom. But when choosing the right material for your bathroom countertop there are also other key considerations that you must take into account, such as maintenance and budget. In this article we will provide an overview of the main countertop materials to help you choose the solution that best fits your needs from among the many options available on the market.
Before examining the merits of the various materials, let’s look at some of the factors that can help inform your choice. As we often point out, the bathroom is, by nature, a humid environment subject to variations in temperature: the basin countertop must therefore guarantee strong resistance to humidity and long-term durability. Just as important as its resistance is the ease with which it can be cleaned: materials that stain easily or require complex treatments are certainly not ideal for those after a practical and easy maintenance solution. So, choose carefully.
The style of your bathroom is another aspect to take into account, just as it is when deciding how to furnish the room. Let’s take a deep dive into the aesthetic features of the different bathroom countertop solutions.
Natural materials like marble and treated wood are ideal for classical bathrooms or bathrooms inspired by nature (Scandinavian-style bathrooms for example), while more technical materials like Teknoril and Tekor are perfect for furnishing modern and minimalist bathrooms, thanks to the possibility of creating seamless surfaces and inset basins.
Finally, there is also your budget to consider, another aspect that can influence your choice of bathroom countertop, though not necessarily a limit.
Our company offers a broad and structured range of materials designed to meet different design needs without ever compromising on quality. Alongside the more exclusive and tactile solutions – like marble, wood and crystal – there are also more accessible materials such as melamine and HPL which, as well as their striking aesthetic qualities, also guarantee excellent technical performance. Whatever the price range, attention to detail and design are constants: all you have to do is pick the material most suited to your project, habits and style.
When it comes to choosing the materials of the bathroom countertop there is a wide range of solutions available, each with its own distinct characteristics in terms of aesthetics, functionality, scope for customisation and maintenance. In addition, as with the various Arcom washbasin top solutions, it is important to remember that many of these materials can be produced in different thicknesses depending on the requirements of the project, and that some – like crystal, porcelain stoneware, marble, HPL, Teknoril and Tekor – can also integrate the basin in the top to provide a seamless surface and greater functionality.
Among the more traditional materials, wood remains popular thanks to the natural warmth it brings wherever it is used, the bathroom included. If suitably treated, it can become resistant to humidity, even if it naturally requires more careful everyday maintenance. We mustn’t forget that wood is “alive” and therefore particularly sensitive to heat and moisture, as well as to light. At Arcom the various types of wood available for bathroom countertops range from Walnut and Eucalyptus to Oak, Elm and Ash in different finishes.
Marble, another natural material, stands out for its timeless elegance and for the range of different colours – some stronger, others more delicate – present on every slab. Though its porosity makes it a delicate material in particularly humid environments, one that requires specific care and attention just like wood, aesthetically speaking it is always guaranteed to hit the mark.
One of the more modern solutions is melamine, a more economical material than marble and wood and highly versatile. HPL, meanwhile, represents an evolution of laminate: a resistant material, available in numerous finishes, including those that reproduce the textures of natural materials, such as stone and concrete; this type of countertop can also integrate the washbasin.
Another very interesting solution is Unicolor, a compact and uniform material that is another of the finishes of the HPL world: its minimalist and plain aesthetic is a perfect match for contemporary bathrooms. One Arcom example is this elegant fine-grain stone effect with Beige finish.
Crystal tops – available at Arcom in the extra light, sanded or stone variants – are an eye-catching choice that combine transparency, light and sophistication. Even though it’s more delicate than other materials, crystal, like glass, can be processed to integrate the washbasin, creating a unique and high-impact item of decor.
An example is this top with in-built basin in Stone-finished crystal: compared to classic polished or sanded crystal, this version stands out for its tactile and slightly irregular surface that visually recalls the texture of a sculpted stone. An original solution that clearly demonstrates the versatility of a material like crystal, offering a modern take on the traditional concept of glass in the bathroom to furnish also highly aesthetically striking spaces.
Meanwhile, Teknoril and Tekor are next-generation composite materials that combine resistance and hygiene with plenty of scope for customisation: generally matt, these surfaces are pleasant to the touch but perfectly adaptable to any project. In the following example, in addition to the built-in washbasin, the top also comes complete with a drip-catcher edge.
Finally, there are also porcelain stoneware bathroom countertops which imitate natural materials like stone, marble and concrete to perfection while boasting superior technical characteristics. Porcelain stoneware can also be used to create tops with built-in washbasins, guaranteeing optimal visual and functional continuity for those looking for high-end designer solutions.
As well as evaluating the material itself, when choosing a washbasin top you must also make sure it fits with the style of your bathroom. Every material has its own specific aesthetic language and contributes to defining the atmosphere of the room in which it is used.
In modern and contemporary bathrooms, for example, smooth surfaces, simple geometric forms and neutral tones tend to dominate. In this context, materials like Teknoril, Tekor and concrete-effect or stone-effect porcelain stoneware are ideal solutions.
The matt surfaces of these materials, often with built-in washbasin, enhance the minimalist style while exuding timeless elegance. Crystal countertops also have their place in a modern bathroom, reflecting the natural light and grabbing the attention in coloured or sanded finishes. Crystal is also particularly suitable for more complex design contexts such as curved or irregularly shaped bathrooms. Unlike more rigid or thicker materials, crystal is easy to work and to cut, meaning that it can be custom-designed with greater flexibility, without compromising its excellent properties of resistance.
For those that prefer a more classical or traditional look, we recommend choosing warmer and more textural materials such as wood or marble, the absolute pinnacle of luxury and sophistication. In these solutions for the bathroom countertop, the material takes centre stage. Wood’s ability to warm even the most spartan of spaces adds an authentic beauty, balance and natural feel to our rooms. Meanwhile, with its grain and colour variations, marble brings both its sculptural tactility and innate delicacy to the bathroom environment.
Though these bathroom countertop materials require a little more care and attention, their natural elegance and sophistication has ensured they remain timeless classics and choice solutions in the interior design sector.
If, however, you are more inclined towards an industrial-style bathroom, we recommend going for tops in HPL or surfaces in porcelain stoneware with rough textures, raw materials and dark colours, characteristic hallmarks of a lived-in urban style.
As for current bathroom design trends, there is definitely a strong preference for matt surfaces, highly textural materials and in-built design solutions in which aesthetics and functionality coexist in perfect harmony. Washbasins built into the countertop are increasingly popular, the absence of visible joints and the seamlessness of the surfaces creating clean and contemporary compositions. As well as aesthetics, tactility is also growing in importance: materials must be pleasant to the touch, transmit natural sensations and guarantee a comfortable and sensory user experience. Colour is also creeping into bathroom decor: from desaturated greens to dark and deep tones like petrol blue, anthracite grey and matt black, the bathroom palette is being enriched with intense and sophisticated hues. At the same time, warm and earthy shades inspired by nature, such as Mocha Mousse Pantone 2025, are also proving to be increasingly popular. A palette of enveloping colours, perfect for transforming the bathroom into a welcoming haven of relaxation.
Another design detail that makes a difference both aesthetically and in terms of functionality is the thickness of the top. More structured materials like marble, porcelain stoneware, HPL and solid composites (like Teknoril and Tekor) offer scope for thicker bathroom countertops, a suitable addition to spaces that want to transmit solidity and above all make the top the centrepiece of the room. A thick top goes well with heavy or highly geometric items of furniture.
Conversely, materials like crystal can be used to create slim countertops, ideal for minimalist, modern or smaller bathrooms. In particular, thin tops allow you to visibly lighten the composition, creating the perception of airiness and formal harmony.
Choosing an aesthetically pleasing bathroom countertop is important for satisfying your style requirements but, to ensure it remains attractive and functional over time, it is also just as important to know how to correctly look after the materials from which it is made.
The bathroom countertop is a surface that is lived every day. We use it for everything: cosmetics, towels, perfumes and all other personal care items. It is a surface that is constantly subject to splashes of water, temperature changes, steam and humidity. It comes into contact with our hands, possessions and soaps and is the surface that is cleaned most frequently.
In other words, just like any other worktop in the house, it needs to guarantee resistance, hygiene and durability.
Every material has different needs and understanding what measures to take can make the difference between a surface that maintains its elegance over time and one that deteriorates prematurely. In the case of natural and delicate materials like marble and wood, it is essential to avoid using aggressive or acidic detergents that could damage the finishes or alter the aesthetic of the surfaces. It is better to opt for neutral products. As previously mentioned, marble, for example, is a porous material that stains easily: for this reason it is a good idea to treat it periodically with water-repellent products that can protect it from soap and water.
Even more resistant materials like HPL, porcelain stoneware and crystal must be regularly cleaned to maintain their performance levels. Though they are less susceptible to wear and tear, it is in any case important to avoid using abrasive sponges or aggressive grease removers which could dull the surface in the long term. A simple damp microfibre cloth, together with a neutral detergent, is often all you need to properly clean these materials.
Next-generation materials like Teknoril and Tekor, meanwhile, blend aesthetics with practicality: though they require a little extra attention to avoid scratching and signs of wear and tear, these silky smooth matt surfaces are generally easy to clean. Once again we recommend using soft cloths and quickly removing any water residues to prevent them from accumulating in the washbasin area and becoming more difficult to eliminate.
However, for all materials it is generally good practice to dry the surface after every use to prevent the build-up of damp and water and the subsequent formation of limescale, stains and mildew. A simple measure that helps to preserve the beauty of your bathroom countertop over time.
To find out more about bathroom countertop materials and how to look after them check out our dedicated page.
As we have seen, choosing the right bathroom countertop isn’t just a question of deciding between one material and another, it is about identifying the solution that best fits with both your aesthetic and your functional and design needs. Every material is special in its own way: marble charms with its timeless elegance, wood brings warmth to our spaces, modern composite materials guarantee resistance and formal cleanliness. Surfaces like crystal and porcelain stoneware enable you to design countertop solutions with aesthetically striking built-in sinks.
To make the right choice you need to be clear about your personal priorities from the get-go: do you want a bathroom that wows people or is maximum practicality your overriding goal? Do you need low maintenance materials or are you willing to look after a more delicate but luxurious surface? How important is your budget compared with durability and customisation?
Reflecting on these points and answering these types of questions will help you decide between the various solutions on offer. Whether you have to furnish a small bathroom or a bathroom for a master suite or develop a bespoke hotel or contract project, you will always be able to find a top-quality washbasin that combines aesthetics, performance and personality.
Arcom is available to provide dealers and architects with additional in-depth information and all of the experience of an Italian company specialised in designer bathroom furnishings.
For detailed consultancy on our tops or to discover the quality of our materials and finishes in first person, find you nearest Arcom dealer and let them help you find the perfect solution for your project.
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