Where Can I Use a Worktop Outside of the Kitchen?
Kitchen worktops come in all shapes, sizes and materials. From the ever present wooden worktops, right through to the likes of quartz, laminate and solid surface, the variety available allows you to customise your worktop depending on where and how it will be used. Typically, people associate worktops with the kitchen because they serve a practical role in preparing food. However, there are plenty of places around the home where they can help you make the most of your space.
Adding a worktop into a room where you wouldn’t typically expect to find one can improve functionality within that room and make your home look more aesthetically pleasing. This article will explore five areas within the home where worktops can be used, either to make an area look better, be easier to use, or both. Whether you’re upgrading your home or doing a complete renovation, we’ll highlight how the right worktop can transform how your space looks and how you use it.
Offices
Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdowns that were put in place, hybrid working has become the norm. Data from 2021 and 2022 shows that 80% of employees who had to work from home during the pandemic prefer a hybrid working model. As a result, home offices are becoming increasingly common. Not only do home offices need to be functional, they also need to be durable and easy to keep clean and tidy. Whatever your workday looks like, from tapping away on a laptop to getting creative with crafts, having an office worktop can be particularly practical. With many options of worktops available, it’s possible to customise the materials, design and size of the worktop you need to match the decor and style of your office and create a space you want to work in.
Bathrooms
As bathrooms can often be fairly small compared to other rooms in the house, it’s important to make the most of the space. Bathroom worktops can be used for vanities or counters, offering aesthetic appeal and useful surface space. As bathrooms are prone to water, choosing a waterproof worktop is key. Bathroom worktops made from quartz, stone, laminate or tile are great options. Not only are they waterproof, but they’re also easy to clean, durable and attractive, offering a stylish and modern look to your bathroom design.
Utility rooms
A utility room is a handy space for larger appliances and doing the laundry, and can also double up as a place to clean pets, reducing the mess and chaos often found in a busy kitchen. Once aspirational, utility rooms are now more commonplace in modern homes, and, according to experts, a utility room can add around 5% extra value to your home. A well-designed utility room can offer practicality and be pleasing to the eye. Having a sturdy and durable utility room worktop for folding laundry and keeping household items organised can boost the overall usability of the space. Quartz and stone are popular worktop materials for use in a utility room because they’re heavy-duty and easy to keep clean, ideal for a room that might see more splashes and spills than others around the home.
Sheds, garages, and outbuildings
Adding a worktop to outdoor spaces such as sheds, garages, and outbuildings offers a practical working place for DIY projects, gardening jobs, and woodwork. What’s more, a worktop can also be a brilliant tool station or a place to keep your equipment in tip-top condition. For these tasks, the worktop must be hard-wearing and durable, so materials like laminate and melamine are good options to consider. Adding a shed or garage worktop can transform an otherwise cluttered or neglected space into an organised area. This improvement makes home projects and hobbies more manageable and enjoyable.
Home bars
Over the last few years, home bars have become a bigger priority. In fact, a study revealed that one in 13 homeowners in the UK were planning to create a home bar in 2022. 7% of the 2,000 homeowners surveyed said they intended to bring their ideas of having a home bar to life by allocating around £14,000 for the renovation. This healthy budget can be more than many homeowners are willing to spend on projects like new kitchens. With home entertainment areas becoming increasingly popular, home bar worktops can add both function and style. As home bars are often a place to relax, unwind and have fun, it’s important to make sure the material of your worktop complements your decor, whether you want it to blend in seamlessly or use it to make a bold style statement. Materials such as granite or hardwood are popular choices as they look great and are clean and easy to maintain. Also, adding a bar worktop gives you more space to serve up your signature cocktail or favourite tipple and can help your home become a hub of entertainment for your whole family.
Key takeaways
Using worktops in alternative areas of the home can be beneficial for many reasons. Whether creating a sturdy and practical workspace in a shed or garage, creating useful surface space in a utility room, or adding a stylish touch to a home bar, the worktop you choose can make all the difference. For heavy-use areas, it’s vital to consider strong and durable materials like quartz, hardwood and granite. For rooms where you’re seeking a more modern look, laminate or stainless steel are good options. Choosing the right worktop can transform any room into a pretty yet practical space.
Get in touch
If you’re thinking about upgrading or adding a worktop to your home, House of Worktops is here to help. Our team of experts can provide personalised advice to ensure you choose the perfect worktop that fits your style, needs, and budget. If you need help with the best materials to use for your space or with design options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.