March 7, 2024
The marble bathroom is hard to beat in terms of function and aesthetics. If ever there was a material meant for the steamy and self-indulgent pampering of the bathroom, it’s marble.
The relationship of bathing with marble is as old as the concept of bathing. Designers understand the unique qualities of marble, its versatility and longevity, particularly suited to humid environments. And marble is resistant to trends, its timeless appeal looks good in traditional and contemporary style décor.
Through this article, we will be exploring different types of marble suitable for bathroom décor. We will explain the difference between marble effect tiles and marble tiles. And we will also provide a list of the UK’s most popular bathroom marble options including criteria for selecting the most suitable marble for your bathroom.
Orobico Dark Polished 120×270 cm
Marble is an organic material quarried from underneath the earth’s crust. The tiles are cut from large blocks which have a specific pattern of veining that is unique to each tile. Marble is heat resistant and extremely durable, which makes it ideal for use in bathrooms.
Nevertheless, natural marble is a porous material and will require regular sealing. Colour and pattern choices are limited to what occurs in nature. Marble tiles are weighty and not all structural walls are suitable for cladding with real stone.
For an aesthetically pleasing choice that also offers practicality, marble effect tiles are worth considering. Thanks to sophisticated printing technology, these ceramic or porcelain tiles reproduce the authentic pattern and veining of natural marble.
Additionally, marble effect tiles are lighter in weight and easier to install and maintain. Although there is an infinite variation in colour and pattern, marble effect tiles lack the depth and gravity of real marble.
Whether it be marble-effect wall tiles or real marble, the tile finish has a significant effect on its appearance. Similarly, for marble effect floor tiles versus stone, the finish must have some anti-slip properties. The following options are the most commonly featured finishes that are suitable for bathroom floor and wall tiles. Bear in mind that the same marble can look entirely different depending on the chosen finish.
Either man-made or natural the colour of your marble bathroom tiles will impact the ambience and perception of the space. White helps to open out a small bathroom, while black is more insular and visually impacting. Colour, on the other hand, makes us sit up and pay attention. No matter your personal preference, follow our guidelines to get the best from the varied palette of marble bathroom options.
White is the most popular colour for marble bathrooms in UK homes. The colour white is associated with hygiene and light, two important aspects of bathroom décor. In addition, white finishes against white sanitary fittings look effortlessly stylish and stand the test of time. Nevertheless, there’s no such thing as pure white, all shades of the white marble bathroom have their own subtleties.
Predominantly white with light grey streaking, the classic looks of Aria White recall ancient statues and architectural ruins. The look is timeless and looks equally at home in contemporary décor.
Suited to flooring and wall claddings. The Aria White option is ideal for highlighting different shades of sanitary ware with just the right amount of character to generate colour contrasts. Its eye-catching looks are also ideal for feature panels.
Aria White Nature 120×270 cm
The grey-white look of Carrara is instantly recognisable, the feathery veining is intricate and pleasing to the eye. Its full name is Bianco Carrara which references the Italian location of origin for this marble.
Carrara is a great choice of marble for UK bathrooms. The stone is characterful but neutral enough to complement any style décor. The white helps reflect any available light into the space, while the grey provides a definite colour tone to match other decorative elements.
The colour black is not going to work in every bathroom. Black needs space to breathe and be appreciated, in a small space it can be overwhelming. However, black is the ‘go-to’ choice for a statement bathroom and looks effortlessly luxurious and elegant. Be careful to accessorise with complementary bathroom artefacts to realise the full potential of black.
Similar in texture to white Calacatta with streaks of white running through the black and dark grey background. Some versions include patches of white that provide high contrast to the background texture.
Suitable for flooring and wall finishes. Black Calacatta marble is easy on the eye and can cover large surfaces in the bathroom without becoming over-powering.
Nero Velluto is extremely dense, almost slate-like, with dark and light grey variations that look three-dimensional. The pattern features a spider web white veining against light and dark grey clouds. The visual effect is rich and textured.
This marble is suitable for flooring and wall cladding. With just the right mix of character and neutrality that looks good on large expanses of surface.
Nero Velluto Polished 120×270 cm
Within the family of black marble options, Nero Portoro stands out for its sophisticated looks. The spotted leopard pattern of the rich black and creamy brown resembles an abstract work of art. The pattern takes the form of waves washing through the black background.
Use Nero Portoro sparingly to safeguard its visual impact. A little will go a long way, it’s an ideal finish for cladding a vanity unit wall or a shower enclosure.
Using the colour grey is a failsafe option in bathroom décor, especially in combination with white sanitary artefacts. Grey and white go together. The combination is effortlessly elegant and stylish.
Unlike other options, the same grey marble bathroom tiles can look good on walls and floors because grey has a neutral quality. Grey marble helps reflect light as well as providing character without overkill.
Aston Pulido BPT 120×60 cm
Figure Spiral Dark 29.9×29.9 cm
In recent bathroom décor trends, designers are being much more daring with marble finishes. Colour options like the green marble tile bathroom are trending right now thanks to biophilic design. And more daring colours, like violet and gold, are becoming popular thanks to their dramatic looks and natural properties.
Emerald Green Polished 120×270 cm
The emerald or jade colour is complemented by a cloudy white texture with streaks of dark grey and gold running through. The rich colour and contrasting veining of the marble make it a popular choice for home décor projects. Emerald green also provides a biophilic aesthetic that looks particularly attractive when polished.
Emerald green marble has the particularity of looking good on bathroom walls and floors. The pattern and darker shade make it ideal for floors, as it looks stylish and is very forgiving about maintenance.
This unusual violet shade of marble resembles waves of colour against a white background. The marble is mined from the Aegean region of Turkey and is also known as Afyon Violet. The purple colour is the epitome of luxurious sophistication and stands out from other marble choices.
Arabescato can be fashioned into sills, mouldings, sinks and other sanitary ware applications as well as wall cladding. It’s highly versatile making it ideal for different uses in the bathroom not just for floors and walls.
Viola Rosse Silk 120×120 cm
Viola Rosse Silk 120×270 cm
Golden yellow in appearance Amarillo Triana is considered the most brightly coloured marble. The veining resembles streaks of darker yellow or grey in a fine grain that creates an irregular pattern across the surface. The colour pattern and strong provide great personality.
Amarillo Triana is best suited for limited bathroom applications like feature walls and flooring panels.
Extending beyond floors and walls, marble emerges as a versatile material with diverse applications for bathrooms. It lends itself gracefully to sculptural vanity basins, adding an artistic touch to functional elements. Moreover, marble’s allure extends to bathtubs, where its elegant presence elevates the bathing experience. In addition to these essentials, marble seamlessly integrates into an array of accessories, from vases to trays, contributing to a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic throughout the entire space.
Figure Shell Dark 29.9×29.7 cm
Rediscover the sensuality and beauty of marble at your nearest Porcelanosa showroom. Run your hand over the various finishes, and observe the differences in reflectance provided by the matte and polished tile options. Wallow in the hypnotising patterns of the natural veins. And remember an investment in a marble bathroom is for life, it will provide decades of enjoyment.
If you have any queries regarding any of the topics explored in this article, drop us a line and we’ll respond.
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Hi what marble tiles do you stock
Hi Andrew, we are sending your contact details to our company in the UK so they can contact you directly to provide with the info requested.
Kind regards