12 Stylish (and Smart) Cantilevered Kitchen Benches
Take your culinary zone to new heights with a floating benchtop that's visually appealing and practical, too
Want your kitchen bench to be the hero of your new cooking zone, rather than being relegated to the background? Then it’s time to think outside the box and brainstorm creative ways you can make this standard kitchen inclusion a standout design feature. One way to do just that is to look beyond the basic block-like benches you see in most kitchens and incorporate a cantilevered benchtop (that is, a ‘floating’ benchtop) into your space instead.
Below, we take a look at 12 striking cantilevered benches that not only offer show-stopping style but also create the illusion of space and enhance the functionality of each of the kitchens they call home. Make a note of what you like (or don’t like) about each of these suspended benchtop designs so you have a firm idea of what you want before approaching a kitchen designer to whip your culinary zone into shape.
Below, we take a look at 12 striking cantilevered benches that not only offer show-stopping style but also create the illusion of space and enhance the functionality of each of the kitchens they call home. Make a note of what you like (or don’t like) about each of these suspended benchtop designs so you have a firm idea of what you want before approaching a kitchen designer to whip your culinary zone into shape.
2. Natural wonder
If you want to infuse your kitchen with warmth, subtle sophistication and an air of luxury, you can’t go past a cantilevered bench combo of natural stone and timber. Here, the suspended style of the benchtop showcases the quiet beauty of the travertine top, while the timber cabinetry below softens the look and complements the stone’s neutral tones.
But style isn’t all this bench has to offer. The cantilever also provides additional workspace (which helps offset the area taken up by the double sink and stovetop further along the island) and room to accommodate several extra chairs, which undoubtedly comes in handy when entertaining family and friends.
BONUS TIP: When choosing timber to team with your stone benchtop, look for wood that’s free of prominent knots or patterns that may clash with the veining of the natural stone.
More: Find Your Ideal Kitchen Benchtop Right Here
If you want to infuse your kitchen with warmth, subtle sophistication and an air of luxury, you can’t go past a cantilevered bench combo of natural stone and timber. Here, the suspended style of the benchtop showcases the quiet beauty of the travertine top, while the timber cabinetry below softens the look and complements the stone’s neutral tones.
But style isn’t all this bench has to offer. The cantilever also provides additional workspace (which helps offset the area taken up by the double sink and stovetop further along the island) and room to accommodate several extra chairs, which undoubtedly comes in handy when entertaining family and friends.
BONUS TIP: When choosing timber to team with your stone benchtop, look for wood that’s free of prominent knots or patterns that may clash with the veining of the natural stone.
More: Find Your Ideal Kitchen Benchtop Right Here
3. Minimalist chic
Although this cantilevered bench is a dedicated work zone, it also succeeds in injecting this modern rustic kitchen with a hearty dash of visual interest, too. The clever floating contraption is anchored to the wall by way of steel tabs that protrude from the metal surface – we love how the tabs double as decorative elements that transform the vertical surface into an accent wall. Crisp white was a smart colour choice for the surface as it cuts through the room’s moody palette, while the thickness gives the space a clean, ultra-contemporary feel.
Although this cantilevered bench is a dedicated work zone, it also succeeds in injecting this modern rustic kitchen with a hearty dash of visual interest, too. The clever floating contraption is anchored to the wall by way of steel tabs that protrude from the metal surface – we love how the tabs double as decorative elements that transform the vertical surface into an accent wall. Crisp white was a smart colour choice for the surface as it cuts through the room’s moody palette, while the thickness gives the space a clean, ultra-contemporary feel.
4. Cool and clean
If you hate being on clean-up duty after a family barbecue, a floating concrete benchtop like this one will definitely make the chore that little bit easier to bear. Thanks to its suspended design, crumbs and spills can be swept or hosed away quickly, without having to manoeuvre around table legs that can clutter your cleaning path. Polished cement is also extremely durable, stain-resistant and easy to clean, so it doesn’t require much effort to make the surface look as good as new after any entertaining.
Also, take note of how the cool grey surface adds an industrial edge to the contemporary outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, while the benchtop’s bold lines and streamlined look complement the sleek style of the scheme.
If you hate being on clean-up duty after a family barbecue, a floating concrete benchtop like this one will definitely make the chore that little bit easier to bear. Thanks to its suspended design, crumbs and spills can be swept or hosed away quickly, without having to manoeuvre around table legs that can clutter your cleaning path. Polished cement is also extremely durable, stain-resistant and easy to clean, so it doesn’t require much effort to make the surface look as good as new after any entertaining.
Also, take note of how the cool grey surface adds an industrial edge to the contemporary outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, while the benchtop’s bold lines and streamlined look complement the sleek style of the scheme.
5. On the side
Now here’s a chic cantilevered bench with a twist. Rather than extending a section of the thin, neutral-toned benchtop past the end of the island, Brisbane designer Darren James has placed a separate slab of stone (in a contrasting tone and thickness) on top of the bench and rotated it to sit across the width of the workspace. This not only helps define the cooking zone and visually separate it from the surrounding open-plan area, but also makes the space feel more communal, as the seating faces inward fostering a sense of togetherness.
As you can see, the contrasting look and unique configuration of both benches also succeed in transforming a basic island bench into a statement-making design feature.
Island benchtop: 12mm Solid Surface in ‘Sanded Chestnut’ Staron; cantilevered benchtop: 80mm Quartz Stone with Jaipur undulated finish in ‘Thyme’, Stone Italiana.
Now here’s a chic cantilevered bench with a twist. Rather than extending a section of the thin, neutral-toned benchtop past the end of the island, Brisbane designer Darren James has placed a separate slab of stone (in a contrasting tone and thickness) on top of the bench and rotated it to sit across the width of the workspace. This not only helps define the cooking zone and visually separate it from the surrounding open-plan area, but also makes the space feel more communal, as the seating faces inward fostering a sense of togetherness.
As you can see, the contrasting look and unique configuration of both benches also succeed in transforming a basic island bench into a statement-making design feature.
Island benchtop: 12mm Solid Surface in ‘Sanded Chestnut’ Staron; cantilevered benchtop: 80mm Quartz Stone with Jaipur undulated finish in ‘Thyme’, Stone Italiana.
6. See-through style
Don’t be too hasty to say “nuh-uh, no way” to a floating glass benchtop. Sure, they’re not for everyone (like those with young kids), but they can work in the right space, for the right people.
Here, an eye-catching glass version appears to jut out from the corner of a timber prep zone that stands at a taller height; it’s stabilised by a metal bracket that supports the see-through surface. The material was selected to enhance the airy, spacious feel of the kitchen, and coupled with its suspended design, it successfully does just that. Although it’s an unconventional choice for a kitchen benchtop, the structure was designed to be a meals area, rather than a food prep space, so we’re confident the material should hold up just fine.
Don’t be too hasty to say “nuh-uh, no way” to a floating glass benchtop. Sure, they’re not for everyone (like those with young kids), but they can work in the right space, for the right people.
Here, an eye-catching glass version appears to jut out from the corner of a timber prep zone that stands at a taller height; it’s stabilised by a metal bracket that supports the see-through surface. The material was selected to enhance the airy, spacious feel of the kitchen, and coupled with its suspended design, it successfully does just that. Although it’s an unconventional choice for a kitchen benchtop, the structure was designed to be a meals area, rather than a food prep space, so we’re confident the material should hold up just fine.
7. Family friendly
One design trend that’s often popping up in the kitchen project section of Houzz is the integrated kitchen bench-cross-dining table – and this elegant transitional-style cooking and meals area shows how this concept takes shape with the help of a cantilevered benchtop.
Here, the floating bench has been lowered so that it stands at table height, rather than matching the height of the adjacent concrete bench. This allows for more comfortable and ergonomic seating (unlike bar stools, which can sometimes cause aches and pains in your back and legs after you’ve been perched on one for a while – or does that just happen to short people like me?), which means your family and friends won’t mind sitting around the table for long meals and lengthy catch-up sessions.
The long cantilevered bench provides loads of visual appeal, too. The rustic, reclaimed wood table contrasts beautifully with the contemporary pastel pink cabinetry and industrial-look cement bench, creating a space that oozes subtle sophistication but still makes a strong style statement. White retro-style dining chairs complete the look and add another layer of interest to the eclectic scheme.
One design trend that’s often popping up in the kitchen project section of Houzz is the integrated kitchen bench-cross-dining table – and this elegant transitional-style cooking and meals area shows how this concept takes shape with the help of a cantilevered benchtop.
Here, the floating bench has been lowered so that it stands at table height, rather than matching the height of the adjacent concrete bench. This allows for more comfortable and ergonomic seating (unlike bar stools, which can sometimes cause aches and pains in your back and legs after you’ve been perched on one for a while – or does that just happen to short people like me?), which means your family and friends won’t mind sitting around the table for long meals and lengthy catch-up sessions.
The long cantilevered bench provides loads of visual appeal, too. The rustic, reclaimed wood table contrasts beautifully with the contemporary pastel pink cabinetry and industrial-look cement bench, creating a space that oozes subtle sophistication but still makes a strong style statement. White retro-style dining chairs complete the look and add another layer of interest to the eclectic scheme.
8. Optical illusion
This stunning bench may appear as if it’s floating, but if you look closely, there’s actually a mirror-finish post that supports the stunning granite benchtop from below – how sneaky! Even so, this show-stopping cantilevered-style bench still deserves a mention in this Ideabook, since it achieves the same airy, space-enhancing look as a suspended benchtop, albeit with some help from a supportive friend.
Here, it’s not just the striking benchtop material that makes a dramatic statement – the under-bench lighting and how the granite appears to be embedded in the white Caesarstone island also take the stylish kitchen bench to new heights. The lowered height of the bench makes this casual meals area more practical and comfortable, too.
BONUS TIP: If you’re worried a natural stone benchtop may be too high maintenance for you, choose an engineered stone or a high-quality laminate instead.
Island benchtop: Quartz Surface in ‘White Shimmer’, Caesarstone; cantilevered benchtop: Orion Granite
See more of this striking contemporary cooking zone
This stunning bench may appear as if it’s floating, but if you look closely, there’s actually a mirror-finish post that supports the stunning granite benchtop from below – how sneaky! Even so, this show-stopping cantilevered-style bench still deserves a mention in this Ideabook, since it achieves the same airy, space-enhancing look as a suspended benchtop, albeit with some help from a supportive friend.
Here, it’s not just the striking benchtop material that makes a dramatic statement – the under-bench lighting and how the granite appears to be embedded in the white Caesarstone island also take the stylish kitchen bench to new heights. The lowered height of the bench makes this casual meals area more practical and comfortable, too.
BONUS TIP: If you’re worried a natural stone benchtop may be too high maintenance for you, choose an engineered stone or a high-quality laminate instead.
Island benchtop: Quartz Surface in ‘White Shimmer’, Caesarstone; cantilevered benchtop: Orion Granite
See more of this striking contemporary cooking zone
9. Green with envy
What was the first thing that caught our eye when we spied this cool cooking space? The striking island bench, of course – though the shimmering disco ball-like pendant light probably came in a close second. While its eye-popping lime green base immediately attracts the eye, the dramatic lines of the thick floating concrete top also command attention.
Polished concrete is a stylish and practical kitchen surface choice as it not only injects any space with a cool, contemporary edge, but is also extremely low maintenance and environmentally friendly, making it ideal for those who desire an eco-chic cooking zone that’s a breeze to clean. Did we mention the material is very affordable, too?
See more of this eco-chic culinary space
What was the first thing that caught our eye when we spied this cool cooking space? The striking island bench, of course – though the shimmering disco ball-like pendant light probably came in a close second. While its eye-popping lime green base immediately attracts the eye, the dramatic lines of the thick floating concrete top also command attention.
Polished concrete is a stylish and practical kitchen surface choice as it not only injects any space with a cool, contemporary edge, but is also extremely low maintenance and environmentally friendly, making it ideal for those who desire an eco-chic cooking zone that’s a breeze to clean. Did we mention the material is very affordable, too?
See more of this eco-chic culinary space
10. Space age
If you want to make a bold statement in your kitchen, opt for a cantilevered bench that’s fashioned from interesting material in an unexpected shape, such as the cutting-edge, contoured design shown here. LED lights fitted underneath the bench add to the freestanding form’s space-age vibe and help highlight the show-stopping centrepiece.
Thanks to its tall height, there’s plenty of room to tuck several bar stools below the bench, which helps keep the pathways free of obstacles and ensures the room maintains its clean, uncluttered look.
BONUS TIP: Install tinted LED strip lights below the floating benchtop for a more dynamic and colourful look.
See more of this renovated kitchen
If you want to make a bold statement in your kitchen, opt for a cantilevered bench that’s fashioned from interesting material in an unexpected shape, such as the cutting-edge, contoured design shown here. LED lights fitted underneath the bench add to the freestanding form’s space-age vibe and help highlight the show-stopping centrepiece.
Thanks to its tall height, there’s plenty of room to tuck several bar stools below the bench, which helps keep the pathways free of obstacles and ensures the room maintains its clean, uncluttered look.
BONUS TIP: Install tinted LED strip lights below the floating benchtop for a more dynamic and colourful look.
See more of this renovated kitchen
11. Going round
Worried a suspended benchtop won’t work in your spatially challenged cooking zone? This chic U-shaped kitchen shows how it’s done. Here, a round floating bar cantilevers out from the wall and floor cabinets, providing a spot for casual eats, additional workspace, and a social hub where family and friends can mingle when you’re entertaining. It also adds another layer of visual interest to the space – notice how the bench’s smooth, curved shape contrasts with the sharp lines and boxy forms that are used throughout the area.
Worried a suspended benchtop won’t work in your spatially challenged cooking zone? This chic U-shaped kitchen shows how it’s done. Here, a round floating bar cantilevers out from the wall and floor cabinets, providing a spot for casual eats, additional workspace, and a social hub where family and friends can mingle when you’re entertaining. It also adds another layer of visual interest to the space – notice how the bench’s smooth, curved shape contrasts with the sharp lines and boxy forms that are used throughout the area.
12. Hidden treasure
Now you see it, now you don’t! This space-savvy cantilevered pivot table is a clever (and creative!) addition that will boost the functionality of any compact cooking zone. When extended, the table enhances the visual appeal of the space thanks to its sharp lines and striking silhouette, transforming the otherwise basic kitchen bench into an interesting design feature. Take note of how the blond timber and subtle wood grain echo the timber used underfoot and add warmth to the cool white palette, too.
SHOW US
Do you have a statement-making cantilevered benchtop? We’d love to see it, so please share your pictures in the comments section.
MORE
Floating Furniture: Can You Handle the Suspense?
Expert Guide: How to Prepare for Your Kitchen Benchtop Installation
7 Easy-Care Kitchen Benchtops to Make Your Life a Breeze
Now you see it, now you don’t! This space-savvy cantilevered pivot table is a clever (and creative!) addition that will boost the functionality of any compact cooking zone. When extended, the table enhances the visual appeal of the space thanks to its sharp lines and striking silhouette, transforming the otherwise basic kitchen bench into an interesting design feature. Take note of how the blond timber and subtle wood grain echo the timber used underfoot and add warmth to the cool white palette, too.
SHOW US
Do you have a statement-making cantilevered benchtop? We’d love to see it, so please share your pictures in the comments section.
MORE
Floating Furniture: Can You Handle the Suspense?
Expert Guide: How to Prepare for Your Kitchen Benchtop Installation
7 Easy-Care Kitchen Benchtops to Make Your Life a Breeze
This may look like an optical illusion, but there was no hocus-pocus involved when this striking, impressively long floating bench was built … that we know of, anyway. Its gravity-defying design is just one reason why this cantilevered benchtop commands attention. Its luxe, chunky look and sleek black colour (which strikes a bold contrast with the vibrant red cabinetry along the opposite wall) also ensure the suspended structure exudes jaw-dropping appeal.
Practical, too, the expansive bar provides plenty of room for several people to sit down and enjoy a drink or meal, while the void below the benchtop ensures spills, crumbs and other food debris can be cleaned up with ease, making this an ideal set-up for any indoor or outdoor entertaining area.
BONUS TIP: If your benchtop is thick in size, opt for minimalist stools with a slim profile so the scheme doesn’t appear too heavy.