The Waterfall Island Gallery (30 Photos!)

30 awesome waterfall kitchen island design ideas. This island design hit the scene in late 2010... or at least that's when they started getting noticed at a larger scale. There are many different styles and designs to get this effect.

Waterfall kitchen island designs hit the scene in late 2010… or at least that’s when they started getting noticed at a larger scale. There are many different styles and designs to get this effect.

Below is our extensive photo gallery featuring examples of this kitchen island design. The waterfall countertop is basically the new face of the modern kitchen remodel or contemporary bathroom counter, and so we deemed it necessary to create this collection.

A waterfall edge island usually is made from a rather dramatic material, meaning that this is one of the more pricey remodels that one could choose. In this article we’ll go over the physical details and the financial details of incorporating a waterfall countertop edge to your kitchen countertop or bathroom countertop.

What is a Waterfall Kitchen Island?

The waterfall edge kitchen counter is a very simple design that comes in 2 different options. The idea is for the island (whether it be for a kitchen island idea or a bathroom island idea) to be very minimalistic, with a focus on the countertop material rather than the shape of the countertop itself.

A waterfall counter is incomparable in its strong and clean lines, and makes for quite a statement piece. Keep in mind, these designs have beauty over function in mind, and they should be reserved for entertaining purposes rather than for utility.

1. Waterfall Edge Cascading Down 1 or 2 Sides

This is the most common where the surface cascades down the ends or a single end of the island. There is a vacant space where seats can be stored or where there can be extra (but minimal storage) below the countertop that is concealed be the ends of the waterfall edge countertop.

2. Waterfall Edge Cascading Down All Sides

This is pretty rare, but they do exist. This is when the surface cascades down the entire face or even both faces (front and back). This is not a very good option as it really cuts off island functionality and it creates a box-like structure in your kitchen.

This design prevents people from tucking their knees underneath the counter space and can make for a rather awkward sitting situation. This design will be far more present in bathrooms rather than as a waterfall kitchen countertop, as the waterfall design would perfectly conceal all of the hardware underneath a sink.

What are the Possible Surface Materials for a Waterfall Counter?

Nearly any material will look impeccable if it is designed into a waterfall countertop, and there are tons of options where one will surely fit your needs. Much like a conventional countertop, a waterfall countertop can be made from many materials:

quartz countertop
granite countertop
natural stone countertop
engineered stone countertop
laminate countertop
marble countertop
stainless steel countertop
solid wood countertop
concrete countertop
travertine countertop

When choosing your material, it is important to ask yourself what will most often be happening on the surface. Will it be mostly a seating area? Then perhaps choose a softer material.

Will it be mostly for entertaining? Perhaps a marble waterfall countertop or a quartz waterfall countertop will give the most dramatic effect. Will it be more of a worktop? Then maybe stainless steel will be the most resilient.

How Much Does a Waterfall Island Cost?

Now here is where things get a little bit technical. Surely you needn’t more convincing in the looks department, but here is where folks may become deterred from a waterfall island design. It is pricey. Let’s break it down:

There are basically 3 foundational costs of your potential waterfall island: materials, fabrication, and installation.

Materials

In the previous section, surely you noticed that some of the most popular materials are those like quartz and travertine. These are not cheap materials. A high quality stone slab can cost anywhere from $75-$120 per square foot (usually materials like marble, granite, and quartz).

Regularly, this is still expensive, but manageable for certain buyers. However, remember that there is an extra 18 or so feet of material required for it cascade all the way to the floor on however many sides you choose. That is quite a bit of extra material, fabrication, and installation.

Fabrication

Though the design is minimalistic, the fabrication of the slabs are not. There will be an additional fabrication charge in order for the manufacturer to create a mitred edge — this is a special type of joinery that allows a seamless connection between the horizontal and vertical slab of stone. This can sometimes get up into the thousands.

Installation

Stone is heavy, and installation can cost a pretty penny as well. On top of the plain material costs, certain installers can charge anywhere from $60-$100 per foot of installation as well. Rightly so, as they will do a fantastic job.

All in all, one single waterfall edge island can cost anywhere up to $6000 in total.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Waterfall Island?

Pros

Aesthetic – The waterfall island design is wonderfully simple and sleek. This design can make any bathroom or kitchen feel like your own personal spa space, and it will surely impress your guests as well.

Durability – If you choose stone for your countertop and edge, it will last forever. Not to mention it won’t receive as many dings and scuffs as say laminate cabinets would. Stone barely wears, and your waterfall island will look good as new for a very long time.

Cons

Cost – If you use granite or engineered quartz, you’re paying for more surface area which can dramatically increase the cost if you didn’t use this design technique. This is not the design to choose if you’re looking to save some coin. It is the design you choose if you are looking to splurge.

Lack of Functionality: Many islands make use of the ends with drawers or shelving. This design prevents you from adding any functionality. It diminishes storage space or space to even tuck your legs under the counter. This is not the design to choose if you need a kitchen that is highly functional.

Waterfall Island Photo Gallery

Now that we know all of the ins and outs of the waterfall island, let’s get visual! We’ve compiled some of our absolute favorite waterfall counter designs for your viewing pleasure. So sit down, relax, and get inspired!

Modish kitchen set up with white walls and black shade. The center island features a smooth countertop. It also features a waterfall island style. You’ll notice here that there is still room for some storage drawers underneath.

Kitchen with a large waterfall center island style, which pairs well with the kitchen’s flooring and counters. The waterfall edge only cascades down the outer edges, leaving plenty of space for seating underneath.

Classy kitchen featuring a waterfall style center island topped by marble countertop. The kitchen is lighted by two pendant lights. This design leaves room for plenty counter space, an awesome industrial kitchen sink, and enough room for 4 spacious stools as well.

Beautiful kitchen with white walls and smooth counters featuring sky blue backsplash and a tiles flooring. It also boasts a waterfall style center island. This is one of the small waterfall kitchen island designs in this collection, and it looks absolutely perfect for a single person or a couple.

Large kitchen featuring hardwood flooring and elegant lighting brightening the space. Under the pendant lights is the large center island, waterfall style. With a room this large, it truly doesn’t matter home much space is taken up by a kitchen island. Not to mention, that beautiful natural stone!

This kitchen boast white walls, ceiling, cabinetry and counters. The lighting is absolutely perfect. The center island features a waterfall style that is a little bit different from the others! This is a multitiered island with a rounded edge. It matches the white wall backsplash perfectly.

This kitchen features a bronze-like center island falling down to the ground like a waterfall. The white cabinetry the white ceiling. This is a more narrow countertop with just enough room for your knees. This would be the perfect place to relax for an evening cocktail.

Large kitchen featuring white ceiling and cabinetry. The large center island offers a space for breakfast bar and has a waterfall style. A very striking material choice indeed!

Modish and classy kitchen with smooth granite counters and a hardwood waterfall style center island lighted by elegant pendant lights. This waterfall countertop only cascades down one side, leaving plenty of room on the others. It also leaves the room feeling a little bit more open.

Large kitchen with a living space with a fireplace set on a hardwood flooring. The kitchen’s waterfall style center island is lighted by glamorous ceiling light. As you can see, this design incorporate tons of storage space underneath the countertop.

Modish kitchen setup on a hardwood flooring. The white and black mixture of colors are absolutely stunning. The center island has a waterfall style. The harsh black material is the perfect contrast for a super maude design. Some may think it’s a little bit blocky, but it is all up to the decision of the home owner.

Modish kitchen with white walls and black shade. The long center island features a waterfall style. Beautiful black marble ties the room together, with the kitchen island complete with a flush stovetop and industrial kitchen sick. No need for any vacant space for seating, as another, taller island was incorporated for that purpose.

Bright kitchen setup with white walls and smooth white counters. The waterfall center island looks stunning and is lighted by recessed ceiling lights. A smaller design that only fits 2 chairs, but let’s be real, they obviously had to leave room for that fireplace.

Bright kitchen with beautiful tiles flooring and scattered ceiling lights brightening the space. The smooth white center island flows down to the ground like a waterfall. A perfectly sized kitchen island that hugs in 2 plush chairs.

Contemporary kitchen setup with white walls and a dark shade mix. The recessed lights look perfect while the smooth white center island flows down to the ground like a waterfall.

Large white island with seating for 4 people with light grey and white surface that waterfalls down the ends of the island. This lovely marble countertop has tons of space for seating as a worktop space. Who says chic can’t be functional too?

Bright kitchen with white walls and counters. The large center island boasts a waterfall style and has a space for a breakfast bar for two. Though not much seating options (who needs it for all the other seating in the room) but there is plenty of cabinet space underneath the beautiful white counter!

Kitchen with smooth white cabinetry and tiles flooring. The rustic counters look stylish. The center island boasts a waterfall style. We’ve seen this room before, but now we’re just seeing it from another angle!

Modish kitchen with white walls and dark shade. The smooth marble counters are absolutely stunning. The center island features a stylish waterfall style made of quartz countertop.

Classy white kitchen with a dark gray shade. The center island featuring a waterfall style is being lighted by pendant lights. Though not the focus of the room, is still adds a super chic element to the space, not to mention all of the extra storage space!

This elegant kitchen setup is so glamorous. The counters are just stunning. The center island featuring a waterfall style provides space for a breakfast bar for three.

Bright kitchen with dark shade.The color mixture of the kitchen is beautiful while the counters are just glamorous. The center island also features a small waterfall style. Though there is not storage space and just a little bit of seating space, it is essential to the flow of the room.

White walls kitchen with dark shade on cabinetry. The flooring fits well with the kitchen’s color. The center island has a little waterfall style. The same room as the one above, but as you can see this kitchen island can roll! Just another added design feature to increase utility.

Bright kitchen setup with tall ceiling. The hardwood flooring fits perfectly well with the kitchen’s white paint and bright lighting. The center island boasts a waterfall style complete with a funky edge underneath, with clear stools that don’t take away from the funky accent. A fun addition to a classy kitchen.

Modish kitchen with white walls and brown shade. The scattered recessed and pendant lights beautifully brighten the space. The center island looks great with its waterfall style.

Large kitchen with white walls and wooden cabinetry giving a brown shade to the kitchen. There’s a large center island featuring the waterfall style. This is a huge room with a huge island and tons of storage space everywhere. Can’t you just image the kids coming home for an after school snack and spilling it all over the countertop?

Large kitchen with white and brown cabinetry. The brown and white combination looks good with each other. The center island boasts a waterfall style and provides a breakfast bar for four. The same room as above, but just at another angle.

This kitchen has white walls and brown wooden cabinetry. The center island boasts a smooth white counter and has a waterfall style lighted by three pendant lights. The laminate counter top is wonderfully contrasted by the surrounding wooden cabinets and wooden inlay underneath. The fun red stools add a much needed pop of color!

This large kitchen features a gloomy vibe and wooden cabinetry. The gray counter of the waterfall style center island looks stylish and is lighted by a cool set of pendant lights. All of the dark features of the room make for a very alluring space.

This bright kitchen features white walls, ceiling and marble counters. The large center island boasting a waterfall style is lighted by pendant lights and a skylight. This waterfall kitchen island has it all! Storage space, a lovely sink, it’s made from a beautiful material, and it just completes the look of the kitchen.

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