Hey there! Lillie here. If you‘re interested in home design like I am, you‘ve probably noticed those angled edges that make objects and spaces look so polished. Today I‘m going to walk you through everything you need to know about these elegant details called beveled edges.
I‘ve worked on hundreds of home improvement projects, so I‘m excited to share my insider knowledge with you. Let‘s get started!
What is a Beveled Edge?
A beveled edge refers to an edge that has been cut or smoothed at an angle rather than leaving a harsh 90 degree corner. The bevel creates a slope along the edge rather than a straight drop off.
Beveled edges are most commonly cut at 45 degree angles, but they can range from subtle slopes to dramatic angles depending on the project. The depth and width of the bevel also varies.
In 2021, beveled edges were trending on over 9 million Instagram posts – they‘re everywhere! I add them to projects whenever I can.
Key Benefits of Beveled Edges
There are both aesthetic and functional reasons to use beveled edges in woodworking, metalworking, construction, and manufacturing.
Aesthetic Benefits
One of the main reasons I love beveled edges is how beautiful they look! The angled edges soften sharp corners and straight lines, adding dimension and visual interest.
- Furniture – Beveled tabletops and cabinets have a refined, expensive look
- Tile – Beveled tile transitions appear seamless and fluid
- Counters – A beveled countertop edge is instantly elegant
In my experience, beveled edges take projects to the next level. My clients are always delighted by the subtle sophistication they add.
Functional Benefits
In addition to aesthetic perks, beveled edges serve some important functions:
- Allow smooth fits between materials – like cabinet doors closing just right
- Prevent injury from sharp corners – kid-friendly!
- Strengthen connections like in tile and welding
- Help doors and windows open/close without binding
- Assist drainage on counter edges
- Provide better traction on stairs
I always recommend beveled edges for stairs, counters, and furniture when young children are in the home. Safety first!
Popular Uses of Beveled Edges
Now that you know why they‘re so great, let‘s look at some of the most common ways beveled edges are used:
Furniture
Over 80% of mass-produced furniture incorporates beveled edges, especially along tabletops, cabinets, and drawers. This adds refinement and allows tighter joints.
In my furniture building, I love using a router to get perfect 45 degree bevels. It takes the looks up a notch!
Tile Installations
Beveled tile edges create a smooth, clean transition between tiles. I‘ve installed thousands of square feet of tile, and a proper bevel makes all the difference.
The bevel leaves just the right space for grout lines and prevents tiles from chipping.
Mirrors and Glass
For mirrors and glass, beveled edges prevent harsh reflections and give a soft, diffuse pattern of light.
Next time you‘re at a luxury hotel, notice how the beveled edges on the mirrors make the space feel high-end.
Metalworking
Proper beveled joints in welding, machining, and other metalwork results in smooth, strong connections.
I‘ve helped my welder friends prep beveled joints and it‘s amazing how much more seamless the finish is.
Other Uses
And let‘s not forget beveled edges on doorframes, weatherboarding, laminate counters, stair treads, picture frames, monuments, and so many other places!
There are endless applications for bevels to improve objects functionally and aesthetically.
How to Create Beveled Edges
The method for cutting a bevel depends on the material and tools:
Beveling Wood
For wood, I often use:
- Router with chamfer bit – precise 45 degree angles!
- Chisel and mallet – for hand-carved bevels
- Belt or orbital sander – good for distressing
- Hand plane – if you like doing it old school
Make sure wood is secured, cut slowly, and watch those fingers!
Beveling Tile
For smooth beveled edges on tile, use:
- Wet saw with angled guide – makes accurate bevels easy
- Grinder with diamond blade – for quicker freehand beveling
- Belt sander – for finishing touches
McGill‘s and Sigma make great beveling attachments for tile saws. Highly recommend!
Beveling Metal
To create metal bevels, I‘d try these tools:
- Angle grinder or belt sander – versatile and portable
- Lathe – for symmetrical, precise bevels
- Milling machine – for custom angled bevels
- Hand file and sandpaper – for finishing
Start with a coarser grit working up to 220+ for polished metal bevels.
Beveling Glass
For beveled glass edges, specialized machines are best:
- Glass beveler – perfectly even faceted bevels
- Belt sander with diamond belt – for wider bevels
- Grinder with diamond wheel – alternative to glass beveler
Always work slowly with glass to avoid fractures, clean up edges, and bevel both sides equally.
Typical Bevel Angles and Appearance
The angle of the bevel impacts its appearance:
- 0-20° – Subtle smoothing of edge
- 20-45° – Noticeable angled surface
- 45-60° – Bold, heavily beveled
- 60-90° – Extremely angled
In my home reno projects, I most often use 30-45 degree bevels – just enough to see the slope but not too dramatic.
Deeper bevels make edges stand out, while shallower ones blend in. Choose an angle that fits your design vision!
Beveling Edge Terminology
Let‘s define some key terms:
-
Beveling means cutting an angled edge to create a bevel
-
A beveled edge is the resulting angled edge
-
A bevel also refers to the angled cuts on welding/joining surfaces
-
Bevel angle is the degree measure of the sloped edge
-
Bevel width describes how far the bevel extends in
Installing and Finishing Beveled Edges
Once your edges are beveled, here are some tips:
- Break all corners slightly for a smooth finish
- Add edge banding or protective trim if needed
- Stain, paint, or finish the beveled surface as desired
- Take extra care when installing to avoid chips and dents
Choose stains and paints that complement your design. Contrasting colors on the bevel can really make it pop!
Faux Beveled Edges
For situations where cutting a real bevel isn‘t practical, use these painter‘s tricks:
- Paint a darker color onto the angled surface
- Dry brush over edges for a weathered look
- Use painters tape to mask off straight edges
- Distress edges with sandpaper before painting
With the right faux technique, you can mimic the look of real beveled edges!
The History and Rising Popularity of Beveled Edges
Beveled edges have been used in furniture and architecture for centuries, but have exploded in popularity in recent years.
- Ancient Egyptians used beveled edges on stonework
- Art Deco designs often incorporated bold beveled geometries
- Mid-century modern pieces utilized beveled edges
- 1970s – beveled glass mirrors gained favor
- 21st century – beveled tiles, counters, and furniture is now common in homes
Many vintage styles like Craftsman bungalows featured beveled details that are back in fashion now. What‘s old is new again!
Over the past decade, Pinterest, Instagram and HGTV have exposed more people to the elegance of beveled edges. Homeowners now see bevels as a must-have design feature.
I predict this trend is here to stay – beveled edges add too much visual appeal to ever go out of style!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, beveled edges may be simple in concept, but they have a huge impact. On both decorative and functional fronts, beveling improves objects and spaces.
I hope this guide gives you ideas and inspiration to incorporate beveled edges into your own projects. They don‘t have to be complicated or costly.
Even just slightly easing the edges of a cabinet door can make a noticeable difference in the look and quality. Try it out yourself and have fun exploring different beveling techniques!
