How to Achieve a Luxurious Look with Marble-Effect Floor Tiles
This is a guest blog by Dear DesignerMarble is one of the oldest and most beautiful of stones and has been used on floors since the Ancient Roman and Greek times. Probably before that. But did you know that it started out as sand on the sea floor and is the result of the crushing of shellfish and other creatures who died hundreds of millions of years ago? Me neither.
It's no wonder then, that marble flooring is now considered the epitome of luxury, and reserved for high-end residential homes, exclusive hotels and prestigious public buildings. And a starring role in most of my dreams!
Pictured:
Marmori Calacatta White Matt &
Marmori Calacatta White Polished But as a result of advanced technology and modern printing methods, you can now replicate the look with realistic looking marble-effect floor tiles.
Made from hard-wearing porcelain, the tiles capture the veining and colours of real marble and are then mechanically cut after the firing process. This cutting process creates a precise edge which further adds to the effect of a continuous slab of stone.
Pictured:
Nebula Grey Gloss,
Nebula White Gloss,
Nebula Grey Semi Polished,
Nebula Grey Decor GlossAll of the benefits and no compromise
Marble-effect floor tiles are more durable than the real thing. They are scratch resistant too which means that even in high traffic areas your floor will not look worn over time as real marble has a tendency to do. They are practically maintenance free. Real natural stone, marble and travertine needs regular sealing and filling to continue looking it's best. Whereas, marble-effect tiles just need an initial sealing which is just for extra protection.
Marble effect floor tiles are amazingly realistic looking. Your friends will not be able to tell the difference, due to all that advanced technology and science stuff. They are affordable; just a fraction of the price of the real thing. And, this is important: you won't be plundering the planet of her natural resources.
Pictured:
Kingston White Matt &
Kingston White BrilloIn the home
While it's true that a beautiful, veined marble floor immediately makes you think of Hollywood glamour and/or wandering around a hushed art gallery, it's a practical choice for the home. Kitchens and bathrooms particularly will benefit from an easy to clean and practical marble-effect tile (worries about slipping will be alleviated by choosing a tile with a textured rather than smooth surface). And even hallways and living areas look extra elegant when marble is used. The current trend for open plan living is crying out for a continuous, light-reflecting and beautiful floor.
Pictured:
Tundra Sky Grey Gloss,
Tundra Sky Grey Semi Polished,
Tundra Sky Grey 3D Decor Gloss
Get the look: Elegant and Glamorous
- Pale Pink & Gold Glass Jar, £20,
Ella James- Bathtub Full of Roses Poster, £12.95,
Desenio- Toba Bathroom Set, £95,
Oka UK
Get the look: Raw and Industrial
The
Nebula Grey Semi Polished Tile could form the basis of a stunning industrial style kitchen. Add distressed metals and concrete, and then soften the look with accents of copper and supple leather.
- Newgate The Luggage Galvanised Wall Clock, £59,
Cuckooland- Faux Tillandsia Potted Plant, £34,
Audenza- Industrial Kitchen Galvanised Metal Salt and Pepper Shakers,
Kitchencraft- Pour Over Coffee Poster, £8.95,
Desenio
Get the look: Sleek and Modern
Slightly masculine but oh, so contemporary. Brushed steel, angular shapes and touches of black would complement the
B&W Star Semi Polished Floor Tile in a sleek and modern bathroom.
- Cape Cod Collection Bath,
Duravit- Grey Stoneware Soap Dispenser and Tumbler Set, £49.90,
Beaumonde