If you are looking for a fresh and hot look that keeps up with the latest trends, a sprinkle of marble in the bathroom is the way to go. However, as a bathroom idea, you might have dismissed it as too expensive. If you plan to clad every wall in Carrara marble slabs, this is a reasonable assessment.
But thanks to clever new technologies, it is now possible to find compelling replicas with the same luxurious finish and at a lower price. These ceramic and porcelain options are lighter, less expensive, and ensure there’s a way to jump on the marble bandwagon no matter the size of your bathroom or your budget.
Is marble a good choice for bathrooms?
Marble is a great choice for bathrooms as its light finish complements the white plumbing fixtures, while its subtle gray veining elevates the space from a plain bathroom to a luxurious spa. No wonder he’s having a special moment in terms of bathroom trends.
‘People are looking to make their homes and bathrooms as luxurious as possible, with marble in the bathroom as the perfect antidote,’ says Dominic Lees-Bell, interior design specialist at Drench.co.uk. (Opens in a new tab)Which is praised for its versatility in design.
You can get a very elegant look with marble and opt for a monochromatic look. Or why not try making a statement with gold details that blend perfectly with neutral marble?
marble bathroom ideas
1. Start with a marble floor
(Photo credit: Artisans of Devizes)
Large-scale marble tiles are a great idea for bathroom floors, although a very slippery finish can be dangerous, especially around the bathtub or in the shower. This applies whether you are choosing natural marble stone or porcelain tiles.
“With any bathroom project, it’s worth considering tile’s slip resistance,” says Isabel Fernandez, Principal of Quorn Stone. “A balance must be struck between beauty and practicality!”
“In most cases, a natural finish is sufficient for bathrooms, but in wet rooms we always recommend porcelain tiles in a ‘grip or R11 finish.’ This finish is designed to provide more traction in wet conditions.
2. They wear the bathroom
(Image credit: Future Publishing Ltd)
Relax in the bathtub by surrounding yourself with marble. Here, black “copper wares” – including the bath filler, hand shower and flush plate – contrast amazingly and give a material with classic connotations a very sharp and modern look.
3. Make the marble shower advantage
(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)
When you want to use less marble, whether for budget or aesthetic options, there are few better ways than bathtub cladding. What better feeling than stepping into a bubble of your own luxury every morning or evening?
The dark bathroom color scheme allows the marble to really stand out and become a standout feature.
4. Go for wall-to-wall curvy marble
(Photo credit: Mandarin Stone)
This wet room look combines two major trends – marbled and herringbone tile patterns. The way the tiles are laid out and the playful way the dark and light surfaces combine to give the space a very contemporary and upscale feel.
Choosing the right grout color is especially important when working with natural stone such as marble. And not just because of aesthetics. Darker grass can stain pale tiles, so it’s best to stick with lighter shades, like here.
Buy now: Calacatta marble dipped, from £50.10 per square metre, Mandarin stone (Opens in a new tab)
5. Match your marbles
(Photo credit: Paul Reside)
Book matching—a process in which a stone slab is split down the center to produce a mirror image of two identical grains—takes the decorative possibilities of marble to a new level, turning the elaborate grain into a work of art.
For its sensual feel and inherent natural beauty, marble is an unparalleled choice for bathrooms, adding instant glamor to the scheme, and this bathroom is no exception.
6. Add marbled luster to a rustic bathroom
(Photo credit: Claudia Dulac)
What a variance of styles! On the one hand, this bathroom perfectly embodies rustic elegance, with its gorgeous cylindrical bathtub and wall panels. On the other hand, the marble shower surround and rainwater head wouldn’t seem out of place in a boutique hotel.
The use of a shower curtain, rather than a stylish screen, marks the boundary between a relaxed look and a formal look. If the real deal is out of your budget, choose a marble-effect palette. It looks totally elegant.
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similar marble effect panel, Splashwall Cararra Marble Effect Single Shower Panel, £80, B&Q (Opens in a new tab)
7. Marble details input
(Photo credit: Malcolm Menzies)
What is the size of this aquarium? Marble is not an inexpensive material, but even a little of it will add an elegant feel to your look. A large basin, traditional wall-mounted faucets and a wooden vanity set this bathroom apart.
Natural materials are always beautiful and combining the two of them together works a treat. Recreate this look yourself by elevating an old wooden cabinet and adding a marble countertop and spray to protect it from water damage.
8. Fake wallpaper with
(Image credit: Wallsauce.com)
Ceramic tile isn’t the only way to fake the look of marble. You can also bring the look with a wallpaper or mural. Bathroom wallpaper ideas are often the subject of debate – many of them have not had any problems using standard wallpaper on the walls. But you may want to take extra steps to ensure it doesn’t deteriorate in wet conditions.
When the wallpaper is far from the bathtub or shower, and you have an suction fan to catch any steam generated, you should have no problems. However, in small bathrooms and those with limited ventilation, decorative varnishes should be used for protection. And never apply wallpaper in an area likely to get a lot of splash, such as over the sink or in the bathroom.
Buy now: White marble wallpaper, starting at £30 per square metre, Wallsauce (Opens in a new tab)
9. Improving the all-white bathroom with marble
(Photo credit: Paul Reside)
White remains a popular choice for the bathroom due to its natural association with cleanliness. But if you’re worried you might get upset, bringing in natural marble will add texture and a silvery luster of sparkle.
Here, the tiles are laid out in a geometric L shape that juts out against the less uniform surface of the tile itself. One of the fun of natural marble is that no two pieces are alike – however, this can be frustrating for people who like the very organized look. If you are not ready forlive the difference‘Maybe it is a substance to be avoided.
10. Play with patterns
(Image credit: Devon & Devon)
Marble mosaic provides a high-quality surface that allows you to create a personal decorative scheme, and the timeless beauty of Italian marble is perfect for a country house.
Although it is a more expensive flooring option, you can cut costs by choosing basic subway tile on the wall and simply updating faucets and fixtures rather than replacing entire suites.
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Buy now: Elite 8 White carrara and black marquina Marble, from £474 sq m, Devon & Devon (Opens in a new tab)
11. Going geometrically on the walls
(Image credit: Fired Earth)
Using marble in the bathroom may seem like an obvious choice, but to ring the changes try wall tiles in unusual shapes. Here, geometric marble tiles add a contemporary flair and provide plenty of visual interest for even the most minimalist scheme. White marble has a timeless appeal and luxurious purity, so it’s perfect for modern or rustic bathrooms.
12. Creating a luxury hotel
(Image credit: Cosentino)
The marble bathroom exudes hotel charm, and the designers of this smart en-suite bathroom spared no expense. Cleverly surrounding the deep bathroom with the same marble as the floor and walls creates a smooth flow of luxury and also gives the illusion of more space, as the eye is not distracted by the different patterns. It’s a great way to create your own spa-style bathroom at home.
Should a marble bathroom be closed?
Any natural stone – including marble – requires sealing. The experts at Ca’ Pietra explain that once your tiles are installed, you’ll need to use a sealant to protect against fading and staining. This should be applied after they have been fitted and cleaned, but before filling, according to the product label. You must apply a second layer after filling.
They also recommend applying a surface finish such as polishing wax, to provide more protection and give an attractive appearance, although only in non-wet areas. This will be applied after the filler once it is completely dry – about seven days depending on the humidity.
Of course, this does not apply if you choose ceramic or porcelain tiles with a marble effect.