We often find ourselves answering the same questions from various clients but with similar needs. We've decided to compile all these questions into a comprehensive guide.
Discover below all the F.A.Q. about marble in luxury furniture.
What is marble, and why is it so appreciated in luxury furniture?
Marble is a natural stone extracted from quarries worldwide, prized for its intrinsic beauty, variety of shades, and longevity. In luxury furniture, marble is particularly esteemed for its ability to impart elegance and sophistication to spaces, thanks to its unique characteristics and its association with precious works of art and architecture.
Its luxurious texture, distinctive veins, and durability make it an ideal material for high-end design projects, adding a touch of prestige and class to the interiors and exteriors of luxury residences and spaces.
What are the most common types of marble used in luxury furniture?
In luxury furniture, various types of marble are widely used to impart elegance and style to spaces. Some of the most common types of marble include:
Carrara White Marble: Known for its use in famous sculptures such as Michelangelo's David, it is one of the most renowned marbles, frequently used in high-fashion showrooms and luxury interior design.
Black Marquina Marble: Characterized by a black base with white veins, it is often chosen to create contrast and drama with white-based marbles in luxury interiors.
Calacatta Marble: Recognizable for its white base with gray and golden veins, Calacatta is known for its elegance and is frequently used in high-end furnishing projects for flooring and cladding.
Statuario Marble: Featuring a white base with more or less defined gray veins, Statuario marble has a notable chromatic contrast and is often considered rarer and more precious.
Green Alps Marble: This dark green marble is characterized by a mix of fine or more pronounced white veins and is widely used in historic palaces, regaining popularity today for its timeless elegance.
Travertine Marble: Most famously seen in the Colosseum in Rome, this versatile and elegant material is highly appreciated by architects today, especially in its open-pore finish.
Nero Portoro Marble: An Italian marble representing luxury at its finest, with a black background and golden chain-like veins that make it a distinctive and irreplicable feature.
Red Levanto Marble: Appreciated for its dark red intensity with white, green, and black details, it is often used for decorative details, inlays, and furnishings.
Arabescato Marble: With a white base and intricate gray veins forming elaborate patterns, Arabescato is chosen for its ornamental beauty.
Yellow Siena Marble: A burst of light and warm veins characterize this marble, known for its elegance and historical use.
The choice of marble type depends on the project's style and the aesthetic preferences of the designer or owner. This list gathers some of the most sought-after and appreciated marble materials for their beauty and durability.
How much does marble for furniture cost?
The cost of marble can vary significantly depending on the type of marble, dimensions, and finishes. Some more luxurious marbles can be quite expensive, while less rare varieties may be more affordable. The price, for example in flooring where the thickness is 2cm, can range from a few hundred to thousands of euros per square meter."
What are the common applications of marble in luxury furniture?
Marble is used in a wide range of applications, including flooring, wall coverings, columns, kitchen and bathroom countertops, tables, fireplaces, stairs, sculptures, and decorative elements.
Flooring: Marble is often used for flooring in areas such as entry halls, living rooms, bathrooms, and dining rooms. Its shine and variety of shades contribute to creating a luxurious environment.
Wall Coverings: Marble-clad walls, especially in areas like living rooms or bathrooms, add a touch of opulence and serve as a visually impactful decorative element.
Kitchen Countertops: Luxury kitchens often feature marble countertops. Durable and resistant marbles are chosen to ensure longevity and wear resistance.
Bathrooms: Luxury bathrooms may include elements such as floors, wall coverings, sinks, and bathtubs made of marble, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and exclusivity.
Tables and Supports: Dining tables, coffee tables, and supports for furnishings can be made of marble, adding a touch of class and a sense of prestige to the décor.
Fireplaces: Marble-clad fireplaces are often found in luxurious settings. Choosing marbles with prominent veins can make the fireplace a magnificent focal point.
Stairs and Steps: Both indoor and outdoor stairs can be crafted from marble, creating a dramatic effect, especially if the marble features particularly artistic veins. The finishes are important here, which could be aesthetic or safety-oriented.
Decorative Elements: Sculptures, columns, vases, and other decorative elements are often made of marble. The choice of unique pieces adds a distinctive touch to the spaces.
Furniture Tops: Designer furniture, such as consoles and dressers, may have marble tops, adding a touch of luxury and originality.
Outdoor Flooring: In outdoor spaces like courtyards and gardens, marble can be used for paving, extending the elegance of interiors to the outdoor environment.
The applications of marble in luxury furniture are limited only by the creativity of the designer and the desired style of the owner. The strategic use of marble can transform spaces into refined and timeless environments.
How do you clean marble?
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to preserve the beauty and integrity of marble. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain marble:
Avoid acidic cleaners: Acidic cleaners, such as those containing lemon or vinegar, can damage marble. Use neutral and marble-specific cleaners to avoid corrosion.
Daily cleaning: Remove dust and debris with a soft cloth or a soft broom. Accumulated dirt can scratch the marble surface over time.
Cleaning with water and neutral soap: For regular cleaning, use warm water and neutral soap. Apply with a soft cloth or a gentle sponge. Dry with a dry cloth to prevent streaks.
Avoid abrasive sponges: Avoid using abrasive sponges or stiff brushes that could scratch the marble surface.
Dry immediately: Immediately dry any liquid spills on marble to prevent staining.
Oil stains: Oil stains can be treated with talcum powder or cornstarch. Apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for a few hours. Remove carefully.
Protect from scratches: Use coasters or trivets to prevent scratches from hard or sharp objects.
Extraordinary maintenance: Professional intervention can restore marble to its original beauty.
Remember that the key to marble care is prevention. By addressing stains and maintaining regular cleanliness, you can preserve the beauty of marble for many years.
What are the current trends in the use of marble in luxury furniture?
The trends in the use of marble in luxury furniture can vary over time, but some current trends include:
Color Contrasts: The use of marbles with noticeable color contrasts, such as pairing Carrara white with Marquina black or darker marbles, creates a strong and contemporary visual effect.
Marble with Artistic Patterns: Adopting marbles with particularly artistic veins or unique designs is a trend that adds a touch of originality and personality to luxury spaces, relying on the inherent beauty of the marble without additional processing.
Mix of Materials: Combining marble with other luxury materials like metal, glass, or wood can create eye-catching and modern designs.
Marble in Furniture: Integrating marble directly into furniture, such as dining tables, consoles, or dressers, offers timeless elegance and design continuity.
Three-Dimensional Surfaces: Using marble to create three-dimensional surfaces or sculpted textures adds a tactile element and an artistic touch to interiors.
Large Slabs and Continuity: Using larger marble slabs and achieving surface continuity, like seamless countertops or wall coverings, provides a modern and prestigious look.
Marble in Bathrooms: Extensive use of marble in luxury bathrooms, not only for floors and wall coverings but also for bathtubs, sinks, and showers, creates an atmosphere of refined spa luxury.
Unusual Marble Colors: Adopting marbles in less traditional colors with dramatic veins is the new trend in luxury environment design.
Integrated Lighting: Incorporating lighting systems into marble, such as slim LED strips or illuminating details, can add a touch of modernity and elegance.
Sustainable Marble: Growing attention to sustainability has led to an interest in marbles from responsibly managed quarries and more eco-friendly extraction practices.
Remember that the choice of marble and how it is used depends on personal preferences, the desired style, and the specific needs of the luxury furniture project.
Is marble sustainable?
Marble is a natural material, formed in a unique and irreproducible way over millions of years through natural processes.
The marble industry, like many other extractive industries, can have an impact on the environment. However, in recent years, there has been a growing focus on more sustainable and responsible practices. Here are some considerations on the sustainability of marble:
Natural Material: Marble is a product of nature, created over millions of years, and each piece is unique. Responsible Extraction: Many marble quarries are adopting more responsible extraction practices to reduce environmental impact. This includes the use of low-impact extraction techniques, quarry restoration, and compliance with environmental regulations.
Recycling and Reuse: Recycling and reusing marble can contribute to sustainability. Marble slabs from demolished buildings or renovation projects can be processed again for use in new projects.
The sustainability of marble heavily depends on the practices adopted during extraction and how the material is managed after use. The adoption of more conscientious practices can help mitigate the environmental impact of the marble industry.
Discover our sustainable commitment with the Dominò design line, crafted from reclaimed materials
Sustainability Certifications: Some quarries and companies in the marble industry are obtaining sustainability certifications to demonstrate their commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
Energy Efficiency: Modern technologies and processing practices can help reduce energy consumption in the extraction and processing phases of marble.
Sustainable Transportation: Reducing the environmental impact associated with marble transportation can be achieved by optimizing transportation routes and adopting more sustainable transportation modes.
Waste Production: Reducing waste production and promoting recycling in marble processing are crucial aspects to improve the sustainability of the industry.
However, it is important to note that the sustainability of marble can vary significantly depending on the location, specific extraction and processing practices, and the standards adopted by individual companies. If sustainability is a priority, it is advisable to seek suppliers that adopt responsible practices and, if possible, have obtained recognized environmental certifications.
Where can I purchase high-quality marble for luxury furniture?
You can purchase high-quality marble from specialized retailers, marble craftsmen, and luxury furniture companies. It is important to seek reliable and experienced suppliers in the industry to ensure the quality of the marble.
For any further inquiries, contact us at the email commerciale@athenamarmi.it