Author: IvySpace
Published in: 7 Jul 2022
Marble is one of the oldest and most widely used materials for bathrooms, for good reason. From the Ancient Romans to now, its versatility and durability has always been prized. Able to be used in both contemporary and classic designs, in every setting marble creates a feeling of luxury and elegance.
However, with so many choices, designs and qualities of stone on the market, it can be hard to know where to begin with your marble tile selection.
To help, we at IvySpace have used our generations of expertise to compile the top 10 things to think about when using marble in your bathroom project.
1. Choosing the right marble
Unsurprisingly, as a quality-obsessed marble supplier, we truly believe the first consideration is the quality of the material you choose. The higher the quality, the more beautiful and durable your installation will be.
The second thing to think about is the technical specification of the material. Understand how it can be used and where, and what the thickness of the slabs or tiles offers to your application.
Lastly, think about the finishes that can be applied on the surface. This will have an impact on the overall look and feel of your space.
2. Considering the size of your room
If you’re working on a smaller bathroom you can create a seamless, consistent look; especially if you use one shade of marble for all your surfaces. However, a darker choice for your flooring that contrasts the walls will give the illusion of height to your room.
When using marble in a larger bathroom the rules are slightly different. Here, you should be thinking about the sizes of tile: consider using contrasting sizes rather than colours on the walls versus the floors. Our marble mosaics will help add texture and interest to your space. You can also highlight the veins in the marble by painting a similar colour on structural elements in the room like walls, beams or columns.
3. Remodel or renovate?
If you’re looking to achieve a marble bathroom, but your fixtures and fittings are still working fine and match your design, you might not need to completely remodel.
Talk to your tile fabricator or interior designer about working around your current bathroom, as you can more than likely just replace your existing floor, shower walls and countertop with marble to achieve your desired look.
4. How to use dark marble
The contrast of the white veins in dark marbles makes them hugely eye-catching and incredibly luxurious. But ‘dark marble’ doesn’t necessarily mean black! One of our favourites is this wonderful Vera Green Marble, which offers a soft and rich warmth to a room. Whichever dark marble you choose, though, there are two approaches that work particularly well.
The first is keeping it simple. By using fully integrated faucets, plain countertops and wood. By choosing a timber that compliments either the darker shades in the marble or the lighter veins, you can bring a natural warmth and sophistication to the room.
The second approach is a more lavish one. Using gold fixtures, mirrored furniture and - for example - crystal feature-lighting alongside your dark marble will create a classic, opulent feel.
5. The best way to use white marble
When it comes to using white marble, it is complemented best by either plain white tiling or a contrasting panel.
Consider using something like our Carrara Marble alongside white Thassos Subway tiles for a dynamic feel, or a slate wall to provide an interesting contrast.
6. Should I use monochrome marble?
Either light or dark marbles used across the whole space create a clean and highly-stylised look in your room. Bear in mind, however, if you’d like to avoid it feeling too minimal you may need to think about stand-out fixtures, features or artwork.
Alternatively combining light and dark marbles can create a similarly clean feel, without as much need for striking details. The contrast of the two materials will provide interest while keeping the space contemporary.
7. The benefits of marble mosaics
As with any space, mosaics offer a range of opportunities to add beautiful detail. From herringbone to hexagonal, use similar or contrasting marble mosaic tiles, then add in metals, stones or glass tiles to add geometric patterns to your bathroom.
8. How to combine different marbles
With such a range of marble available, the possibilities are endless! Play with colours, veins and shapes to create something entirely unique.
Think about contrasting the sizes, shapes and shades, and how they can affect the dimensions of your room. For example, as above, how a darker floor and lighter walls can make your smaller room appear larger.
9. When and where to use large format tiles
Traditionally, large format tiles are used exclusively for baths or shower trays. We’d suggest thinking about using them for the floors and walls too, to create a simple and minimal effect. Here, you can also play with the marbles’ vein sizes as larger veins will truly shine.
10. The importance of installation and maintenance
To get the most from your marble bathroom not only do you have to start with the right installation, but maintain it correctly.
Initially, your marble - especially in bathrooms - should not be too highly polished, as less polished marble maintains its grip better around water. In high-traffic areas, consider rugs or protective coverings.
Then, you’ll need to regularly clean and seal your marble. This will help prevent stains, scratches and unwanted moisture.
When it comes to routine the sweeping and mopping of your marble flooring, steer clear of strong cleaning products. These, especially those which are acid-based, can cause etching or damage to the sealer.
More bathroom marble inspiration
Calacatta Cremo Marble – This beautiful, softer grey-and-blue veined marble is perfect for monochrome bathroom projects where you’d like to keep it light without sacrificing the wonderful nature of marble. Offered in a range of thicknesses and able to be finished both polished and matt, this marble is guaranteed to make your bathroom shine.
Chevron Black Argo – For geometric, dark marble mosaics look no further than these strikingly veined tiles, which will add a relaxed and dynamic feel to your bathroom. Available in both polished and matt finishes, we are also proud to offer additional shaped tiles in this same beautiful stone.
Herringbone Calacatta Cremo Mini – A “classic” herringbone mosaic, this white marble with grey patches makes a beautiful compliment or contrast to other marbles used in your space. It is supplied on a net, and with stock in the UK you can quickly and easily transform your space.
The choice is yours
When it comes to using marble in bathroom design, ultimately the choice is yours. The only limitation with this beautiful, natural material is your imagination!
IvySpace’s high-quality, selectively sourced natural marble offers you the best natural stones for the most affordable prices. This means that you can choose the material you need with confidence.
For assistance feel free to contact our customer service team at any point regarding your refurbishment or renovation project. Our experts are knowledgeable in all of our marble materials and will be happy to help and advise you.
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