Marble bathrooms: pros and cons, interior design examples

Marble has always been considered a sign of luxury and wealth. If earlier marble for decoration was available only to very rich people, now almost everyone can buy this material. Most often, marble finishes are chosen for the bathroom.

Marble, like any other material, has positive and negative characteristics. Their study will allow you to form a complete picture of the material.

The list of positive aspects consists of the following points:

• aesthetic appearance;
• durability and practicality;
• high strength;
• naturalness, porous structure and the ability to "breathe";
• high resistance to temperature changes;
• easy care;
• high moisture resistance;
• a large assortment of finishing materials that differ in color and texture;
• color retention regardless of external influences.

The list of disadvantages is not so impressive:

• high price;
• it is not recommended to lay marble tiles on your own, since you need to be able to work with such material - hiring a specialist will entail an increase in costs;
• despite its high strength, marble is a fragile material; moreover, it may contain iron, which, as a result of corrosion, will give an unpleasant rusty tint;
• in the process of leaving, you can use only special products that do not contain aggressive components.

Bathroom marble comes in several varieties.

This type of marble is an expensive material, but its performance characteristics are at the maximum level. It has no equal in beauty and durability. Often artificial marble is given out for natural marble, therefore you need to buy material in a verified place and require documents that will confirm its origin.

This option is becoming more and more popular due to its affordable cost and excellent characteristics, in which it is practically not inferior to natural material.

Artificial marble tiles can be created from various materials.

• Polymer concrete it is created from acrylic resins and marble chips, to which quartz and other rocks can be added. For shaping, the mixture is placed in the appropriate trays. Not only tiles are created from polymer concrete, but also countertops, washbasins and other products.
• Whetstone marble consists of plaster mass, which is created in different shades. For use, the mass must be diluted with an adhesive and applied to the surface similarly to plaster. After hardening, a monolithic surface without seams and joints is obtained.
• Flexible marble is a flexible plastic slab, on the surface of which epoxy resins with marble chips are applied.

The characteristic feature of marble finishes is the variety of colors. It is worth dwelling on this in more detail.

1. White finishing stone is considered to be the most luxurious. This can be explained by a clean structure that has a minimal amount of impurities. White marble comes in many different shades, each of which is interesting. The addition of gray makes the stone look noble and cold. Cream and beige shades look gentle and light.
2. Gray stone stands out for its original drawing, which is characterized by a picturesque structure. Cool shades of gray bring individuality and subtle sophistication to the room. Gray marble goes well with white stone and wood look tiles.
3. Colored marble finishing material available in various natural shades. Colored marble tiles are usually of a very high quality. Onyx, malachite and other materials are usually chosen to combine with such an original finish. There are a lot of options for creating individual projects.
4. Dark marble usually used to create strong contrast. The bathroom in black marble also looks original. The dark color looks good on the floor, under the sink, or on one of the walls.

Also, marble used for bathrooms differs in its texture.

• The glossy surface is highlighted with a reflective effect. Due to this feature, you can visually make the room more spacious. Glossy tiles are slippery, therefore it is undesirable to use them for finishing the floor.

• Non-slip tiles are excellent floor coverings. It is also actively used for finishing showers and swimming pools. Even in high humidity conditions, such tiles will not create a sliding effect.

• The standard type of facing material is double-sided grinding. Its gloss is average.

• Custom marble tiles have found their way into pattern making. This material comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

• The porcelain version has a ceramic base that is covered with marble on top. The cost of this material is much more affordable compared to natural material, but the durability indicators are also at a lower level.

Thinking over the interior of a marble bathroom, one cannot ignore the issue of combining stone with other materials.

• The wood goes well with marble finishes, fixtures and fittings and furniture. Both materials are noble, but they do not compete, but complement each other. Wood can be present in the form of shelves, cabinets and other furniture. An interesting solution is the use of solid wood frames.

You can choose marble and wood in the same shade, or think about a combination. Wood trim brings home coziness and warmth to the interior, which successfully complements the cold stone.

• The combination of marble with metal allows you to create a stylish, laconic interior. The austere lines and cold shine captivate and delight the eye.

• Glass also goes well with noble stone. but sand glass must be carefully looked after, especially if it is in the bathroom. Therefore, this combination is not in high demand.

A marble bathroom should not be lined with stones from ceiling to floor, especially when it comes to a small room. It is enough to add a few expressive elements that will be combined with the overall interior.

Bathtub and bathroom fixtures look spectacular in marble. Such elements will never lose their relevance. The bathtub and washbasin can be ordered ready-made or tiled on your own. Both options will look impressive. To understand this, it is enough to study user reviews and view photos of finished rooms.

Furniture should be carefully matched to marble finishes. Next to such a noble material, there should be appropriate furniture, which will not be too flashy, but also will not get lost against the background of marble. For example, you can order artificial stone marble countertop. Such products are lightweight, and due to the absence of joints and seams, they are not affected by harmful microorganisms.

It is better to choose marble furniture from cast material. - it has high durability and withstands intensive use in high humidity conditions. Scratches will not be difficult to wipe with a special tool, and the chipped piece sticks easily.

Accessories for a marble bathroom must be chosen carefully. They should not be flashy, but you should not choose dull ones either. You can give preference to marble, which will repeat the main elements of decoration or become a contrast. Both options have a right to exist.

Let the bathroom usually have a small area, but this does not change its need for lighting. It is in the bathroom that many procedures are carried out that require good lighting. When decorating a marble bathroom, you can use one of two lighting options:

• spotlights are located throughout the ceiling;
• the main luminaire is complemented by several smaller ones.

Marble bathroom decoration will suit many modern and classic styles, you just need to skillfully combine different materials, colors and complement them with suitable accessories.

• Empire style. Its pomp and luxury will suit the more intense shades of marble. Elements of stucco molding, bright lighting, golden decor will be useful. Marble finishes can be brown or beige.
• Rococo and Baroque styles can be accompanied by white or cream marble. Elegant light shelves, lamps and mirrors in a golden frame will suit him.The tub itself should be round or oval.
• If the choice fell on the Provence style, you can complement the marble finish with wood elements, and this combination will be harmonious. For example, you can use wooden furniture, mirror frames, shelves. All this, of course, must be treated with a special water-repellent compound. Beige, green or blue marble will look good in Provence.
• Marble fits perfectly into hi-tech. It is enough to complement it with metal and glass surfaces, modern mechanisms and details. The design must be thought out so that the appearance is laconic, and all objects perform certain functions and there is nothing superfluous.

It is not difficult to decorate a bathroom in marble if know some rules, secrets and use space wisely.

• Marble tiles with horizontal pattern is a new trend in fashion, which is actively used by professionals and ordinary people. The effect of such a tile will exceed all expectations.

• A good solution is to place a solid marble surface, in which a washbasin with a mixer and the necessary accessories are installed. With a large number of elements, the room will not seem overloaded.

• All marble products are beautiful, but the options for rounded shapes look especially gorgeous..

• Due to the contrast that is created thanks to the choice of tiles in different colors, the room can be divided into zones.

• Combination of black and white tiles can be called a classic, which, as you know, does not care about the influence of time. Such a bathroom should have decorations that will radiate warmth and comfort. Wooden interior elements have such capabilities.

• To place accents it is possible to install shelves in a contrasting color on the marble wall.

• Even a small amount of marble in bathroom design is able to transform it into a stylish room. Marble can be present in the form of inserts or interior details.

• A mirror is not just a piece of furniture. With its help, you can visually increase the space.

Interesting techniques and techniques were used in this design. The original tiles fit perfectly into the laconic austere interior. Lighting elements are selected very competently, they helped to create accents in the design and shade the main colors.

In this version, the colors of the marble tiles are selected optimally, they are combined with each other, although they create a contrast. Horizontal lines, well-chosen lighting elements, laconic furniture - here everything is in its place, every detail is thought out.

A royal bathroom should look like this. Marble on the walls and on the floor, mirrors and stucco, the right lighting, gilding, the perfect color combination - this design has been hard at work.