Marble tiles for the bathroom: features and types

Marble is one of the natural materials that is often used in bathroom design. Both natural marble and its imitation are used in their design. The latest technologies in the field of cast artificial stone allow craftsmen to bring to life even the most daring ideas. Designers use marble in the manufacture of sanitary ware and in the decoration of walls, ceilings and floors.

Marble tiles are rightfully considered one of the luxurious finishing materials. It is used for cladding walls and floors in bathrooms and other rooms. It is durable and can be operated for more than a dozen years.

Natural marble is a unique material. The veins give it a varied and unique pattern, intense or less pronounced. The structure of the veins and the saturation of the hue on marble depend on the place of extraction and the inclusion of various substances in it. The most expensive material is considered to be with a small amount of veins.

Natural marble is an expensive material. A more affordable price is marble-effect tiles made of artificial mineral. Modern technologies make it possible to give tiles both natural shades and colors that are not found in nature. It should be noted that high-quality imitation material in its characteristics and appearance is not inferior to natural marble, while it is much cheaper.

Main advantages.

• Marble tiles will give the room an aesthetic appearance and originality. Light or dark colored items look great.
• Well suited for spacious bathrooms and small showers.
• Marble tiles are made mainly from natural ingredients - marble chips, clay, sand and additional components. Then the resulting mass is fired to achieve the highest product strength.
• The tile does not absorb odors and is non-toxic.

Bathroom marble tiles - a versatile material... The unique properties inherent in this material make it possible to extend its service life for many years. A wide range of tiles in various colors allows you to bring any design ideas to life.

Depending on the scope of application, the following types of marble tiles can be distinguished:

• outdoor;
• wall;
• low temperature.

Matte tiles with a slight roughness are most often used as floor tiles. It better suits the purpose, has an anti-slip effect. If it is necessary to install underfloor heating in the bathroom, there are no problems. The cable is laid under the tile, it transmits heat perfectly.

Glossy marbled tiles look more harmonious on the walls. It perfectly reflects light rays, therefore, visually expands the space, which is important for small bathrooms.

Low-temperature tiles are distinguished by even higher performance characteristics. Manufacturers mark it with a snowflake sign. Such tiles are used for outdoor work, cladding summer showers or other premises, which are characterized by temperature changes.

By origin, marble tiles are divided into natural and artificial.

Marble tiles are manufactured from natural ingredients. One of its main constituents is calcium - metamorphosed limestone. It is mined in quarries. Initially, limestone is a large block from which slabs of a certain size are cut.

Natural marble is used for floor and wall cladding. Even though marble tiles weigh more than artificial ones, they can be used on walls without any problems. The fact is that the load falls not on the ceilings, but on the walls, which makes it possible to use this finish for baths in apartments, and not only in private houses.

The best imitation of natural marble is a tile, the filler of which is used marble chips. The use of chips makes the process of processing natural marble waste-free.

Most often, manufacturers make tiles that imitate marble from ceramics. Fillers and colorants help give it a texture similar to marble. Ceramic tiles outwardly resemble natural stone, while they are no less wear-resistant. The positive aspect is its low cost compared to natural marble. This adds to the popularity of artificial turf. The features of such a tile are reasonable cost, durability, a wide range of colors, fire resistance, color fastness to sunlight.

It should be noted that modern technologies make it possible to produce imitation of marble, which is not inferior in quality to natural stone... Visually, it is not always possible to distinguish them, and it is more convenient to take care of ceramic tiles. Imitation of marble cannot be considered completely artificial. Its main part is made up of marble chips, which are complemented by hardeners, acrylic and other components that add strength and aesthetics to its structure.

To make the bathroom interior harmonious, you should know a few simple rules.

• Light shades visually expand the space. For this reason, owners of small bathrooms are better off looking at tiles in white, beige, light gray and blue. In addition, light marble tiles are not prone to streaking after using detergents.

• Usage terracotta, beige or pink shades will make the interior warmer and more comfortable. But blue, gray or green colors will help create a calm, serene atmosphere.

• A light and airy interior can be created by using marble for wall, floor and ceiling decoration the same light shade and use the same texture. This will smooth out the corners.

• The contrast in the design of the floor, walls and ceiling will visually diminish the room. It is better to choose matte for the floor, and glossy tiles for walls and ceilings. Designers recommend avoiding accents in the corners.

• The use of black marbled tiles is not very popular, but if dilute it with white elements, the interior will look restrained and stylish at the same time. Do not forget that stains are more noticeable on a dark surface when cleaning.

Marble has been used in bathroom cladding for many years, but, nevertheless, new fashion trends are constantly emerging, which designers recommend paying attention to.

One of the new trends in the field of interior design - marble with horizontal stripes. Using this tile, you can create a luxurious bathroom, as if in an expensive hotel.

Are popular solid marble countertops along the wall with built-in sinks, mixer and other elements. They look appropriate with marbled wall tiles.

For zoning a room, it is recommended to combine two contrasting colors of the tiles. But this design option is suitable for large rooms; in a compact bathroom, it will only reduce the space. Today, the emerald color and even its blotches on the floor are very popular. So you can revive the space, add new colors to it.

Natural stone tiles match perfectly with woody structures. This finishing option is widely practiced in the style of the Scandinavian countries and throughout Europe. The combination of marble tiles in light or light gray tones with wooden furniture or wood-like decor elements will decorate both small and spacious bathrooms.

In addition, interior designers often combine marble with plaster or concrete. The interior is attractive and discreet at the same time. A similar design is often used in metropolitan areas.

Experts recommend purchasing products from well-known companies. The low price does not mean the high quality of the marble flooring.

In Russia, the greatest demand is for the products of firms Kerama Marazzi and Uralkeramika. Due to their affordable price, wide range of colors and quality, these firms are worthy competition for European manufacturers.

Products of consistently high quality are offered by Italian manufacturers. Their products are presented in a wide range of ornaments and colors. The most popular are firms Atlas Conkorde, Imola... Spanish firm Urbatek has been making marble floor tiles for many years. Their collections are restrained and neutral in their style.

When choosing a tile, you should take into account the advice of experts:

• For small bathrooms, it is better to choose light glossy tiles - this will visually increase the size of the room.

• For the floor, choose matte tiles.The anti-slip surface will make your bathroom safe.

• In small rooms, medium-sized tiles look good, large products will visually reduce the space.

• To give the room freshness and lightness, it is better to choose gray-blue tones, but for a romantic setting, you should use pink-purple shades. The austerity of the room will help to give black and white colors.

It is not difficult to take care of such tiles. The main rule is regular cleaning and the use of special tools. When buying them, you should consider the advice of the tile manufacturer. It should be noted that it is forbidden to clean natural marble with household chemicals. The acids it contains can damage garments, render them shine and cause stains and abrasions. You just need to regularly rinse the tiles with plain water and wipe them with a natural cloth.

• Discreet design option.

• Bathroom option in warm beige shades.

• An option for a chic spacious bathroom with marble floor tiles and a marble podium.

• Stylish bathroom in dark colors.

• Combination of marble tiles with textured slabs.

For expert advice on imitating natural stone in the interior, see the following video.