The Countertop Finish That's Set To Take Over Kitchens In 2026

As a crucial part of any kitchen setup, your countertops play a big role in your kitchen's overall look and feel. But selecting the perfect top for your design isn't only about choosing the countertop color that gives your kitchen the right vibe and picking a material that meets your needs. To truly nail the aesthetic you have in mind for the space, you also need to consider your countertop finish. If you're on the fence regarding whether to choose a polished, textured, or matte finish, looking into what's currently big in interior design might help you reach a decision faster. While polished, glossy finishes have dominated for years, the biggest kitchen countertop trends for 2026 seem to be leaning more toward textured options, like leathered countertop finishes.

The reason behind the growing popularity of leathered finishes is the 2026 shift towards tactile surfaces that bring warmth into the space. With their soft, natural feel, countertops with a leathered finish bring coziness and charm to your kitchen, making it feel welcoming rather than cold and industrial. They also have a practical advantage over glossy finishes because they better mask fingerprints and spill marks. This makes leather finishes the ideal choice for kitchens that see heavy use.

Before you settle on this unique countertop finish that will upgrade your kitchen, there are a couple of considerations to make sure that a leathered finish is the best choice for your needs and preferences. The most obvious factor when choosing a countertop finish is your kitchen's overall style. Ideally, your leathered finish should blend with your cabinetry, backsplash, and decor to create a cohesive design.

With its natural look, a leathered countertop finish can fit right into a wide variety of kitchen designs. Still, due to the organic, rustic quality brought by the textured surface, this countertop finish might feel more at home in kitchens that lean towards farmhouse or traditional aesthetics. Incorporating neutral colors through your other kitchen elements and decor might be a great match for leathered countertops, as it will bring their natural texture to the foreground. Adding metal hardware in warm tones is one way to complete the look and make your kitchen design feel timeless.

If you're still not completely sure whether to go with this finish choice, considering the cost and maintenance requirements could help you reach a decision faster and more confidently. 

Although it hides smudges and imperfections well, a leathered finish can be harder to maintain than smoother options. The main culprit here is the texture of the surface. While that's precisely what gives leathered countertops their appeal, it also makes it easier for stray crumbs and spills to get into the bumps and crevices. Still, if you don't mind putting in slightly more effort into cleaning your countertops, this little quirk doesn't have to be a deal-breaker.

Finally, think about whether you're ready to potentially shell out more cash for this countertop finish. In some cases, it can be around 10% more expensive to get a leathered finish than a polished one. The added cost typically comes from the extra time and labor required to create a leathered finish. However, the difference in price isn't guaranteed with all manufacturers, so you might be able to find the perfect middle ground.