12 Black Marble Features That Guarantee Sophistication
With its dramatic appeal and versatility, black marble exudes high-end glamour
Larissa Davis
20 August 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor and Principal Designer of Lewisham Interiors in Melbourne. With an appreciation for quality and an obsession for detail, assisting in the designing of lifestyles is always a rewarding experience, however it is the people I meet along the way who bring me the greatest joy!
Houzz Australia Contributor and Principal Designer of Lewisham Interiors in Melbourne.... More
Marble is spectacular in black. Enchanting and mysterious, black marble impacts the look of any room regardless of the style. What’s more, its versatile use throughout the home is occasionally surprising. No matter where you decide to feature it, however, it’s often best to do so sparingly, or with one standout feature. Check out these 12 ideas to showcase exquisite black marble in a variety of places and spaces.
1. The splashback
Where: In the kitchen
Why: As a splashback, black marble is super functional, being an easy surface to wipe over and keep clean. It is also less prone to staining and scratches compared to a benchtop application; although, as you might guess, black is more forgiving than white.
Taking centre stage in this kitchen is a stunning black marble splashback. By positioning it in the middle of the service area, the feature makes a statement and contrasts against the warm glow of the copper and timber elements nearby. The vertical ivory veins in the marble create the effect of an abstract artwork on the wall.
Where: In the kitchen
Why: As a splashback, black marble is super functional, being an easy surface to wipe over and keep clean. It is also less prone to staining and scratches compared to a benchtop application; although, as you might guess, black is more forgiving than white.
Taking centre stage in this kitchen is a stunning black marble splashback. By positioning it in the middle of the service area, the feature makes a statement and contrasts against the warm glow of the copper and timber elements nearby. The vertical ivory veins in the marble create the effect of an abstract artwork on the wall.
2. The benchtop
Where: In the kitchen
Why: The use of black marble in a contemporary kitchen can provide a strong design focus and also allow complementary fittings and fixtures to stand out.
If used as a benchtop, you can then surround black marble with a variety of different materials, such as timber, tile or other metallic fixtures, as well as colour, contrasts and textures, as seen here.
See more on the kitchen marble trend
Where: In the kitchen
Why: The use of black marble in a contemporary kitchen can provide a strong design focus and also allow complementary fittings and fixtures to stand out.
If used as a benchtop, you can then surround black marble with a variety of different materials, such as timber, tile or other metallic fixtures, as well as colour, contrasts and textures, as seen here.
See more on the kitchen marble trend
3. Casual dining
Where: In the kitchen or in an open-plan dining area
Why: Round tables are often used in kitchens or in open-plan spaces that merge the kitchen with dining areas. They are also often useful in homes that find themselves short on space, but they don’t have to be plain. A small round table in black marble will look as good as an upmarket dining table.
Featuring a black marble tabletop, this Tulip table, designed by Eero Saarinen, is on every designer’s wish list. Most dream of white, but the black dining table pictured here is every bit as eye-catching.
Where: In the kitchen or in an open-plan dining area
Why: Round tables are often used in kitchens or in open-plan spaces that merge the kitchen with dining areas. They are also often useful in homes that find themselves short on space, but they don’t have to be plain. A small round table in black marble will look as good as an upmarket dining table.
Featuring a black marble tabletop, this Tulip table, designed by Eero Saarinen, is on every designer’s wish list. Most dream of white, but the black dining table pictured here is every bit as eye-catching.
4. A formal dining table
Where: In the dining room
Why: As a dining table, black marble takes centre stage providing the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of marble from close up. Its lustrous appeal dresses up a room and can offer up the atmosphere found in fine dining establishments.
Black marble is not a short-lived trend, so to introduce it as a quality item of furniture will ensure it is a ‘forever’ piece in the home. A certain amount of care is required to maintain and prevent stains and cracking. However, in black, the discolouration potential is minimal.
Where: In the dining room
Why: As a dining table, black marble takes centre stage providing the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of marble from close up. Its lustrous appeal dresses up a room and can offer up the atmosphere found in fine dining establishments.
Black marble is not a short-lived trend, so to introduce it as a quality item of furniture will ensure it is a ‘forever’ piece in the home. A certain amount of care is required to maintain and prevent stains and cracking. However, in black, the discolouration potential is minimal.
5. An accent table
Where: In the bedroom
Why: Black marble accent tables are welcome inclusions that blend into any modern decor setting.
In a contemporary bedroom an accent table in black marble can be used as a bedside table, imbuing the space with an air of sophistication but also of modern simplicity.
Where: In the bedroom
Why: Black marble accent tables are welcome inclusions that blend into any modern decor setting.
In a contemporary bedroom an accent table in black marble can be used as a bedside table, imbuing the space with an air of sophistication but also of modern simplicity.
6. Tiled feature wall
Where: In the dining room
Why: Sometimes all you need is one dramatic feature wall to liven up a space or to create an impact in a room.
Here, the black marble tiling of a dining room wall provides a bold, luxurious statement that is especially suited to a formal setting. In order to soften the hard-edge element of the marble surface, use luxurious fabrics like velvet in upholstery or curtaining. Warm colour contrasts provided by the pot plants and timber table also lift and enrich the room.
View more elegant dining rooms
Where: In the dining room
Why: Sometimes all you need is one dramatic feature wall to liven up a space or to create an impact in a room.
Here, the black marble tiling of a dining room wall provides a bold, luxurious statement that is especially suited to a formal setting. In order to soften the hard-edge element of the marble surface, use luxurious fabrics like velvet in upholstery or curtaining. Warm colour contrasts provided by the pot plants and timber table also lift and enrich the room.
View more elegant dining rooms
7. Fireplace facade and mantle
Where: In the living room and bedroom
Why: A fireplace in a room is almost always the focal point, and a facade and mantle in black marble will accentuate the charm of this feature.
Marble can be hand carved to recreate an old-world design as seen here, which would lend itself successfully to a classically styled interior.
Where: In the living room and bedroom
Why: A fireplace in a room is almost always the focal point, and a facade and mantle in black marble will accentuate the charm of this feature.
Marble can be hand carved to recreate an old-world design as seen here, which would lend itself successfully to a classically styled interior.
8. Fireplace wall or chimney breast
Where: In the living room
Why: Black marble provides a cool finish to an area built for warmth.
When adhering such a large expanse of marble onto the one surface, careful consideration must be taken to ensure the separate slab divisions are positioned in such a way as to minimise the amount of joins. Also take time to carefully select each of the individual slabs of marble, as this will provide for continuity in the vein, texture and colour of each slab or tile, and will create a more balanced overall look when installed.
Where: In the living room
Why: Black marble provides a cool finish to an area built for warmth.
When adhering such a large expanse of marble onto the one surface, careful consideration must be taken to ensure the separate slab divisions are positioned in such a way as to minimise the amount of joins. Also take time to carefully select each of the individual slabs of marble, as this will provide for continuity in the vein, texture and colour of each slab or tile, and will create a more balanced overall look when installed.
9. Shower stall
Where: In the bathroom
Why: Too much black marble in the bathroom would make the room dark, but as a shower stall feature it can add a luxurious atmosphere.
Here, black marble has been used to line the shower stall. Its dramatic effect is offset by the liberal application of white surface finishes elsewhere, as well as large mirrors along the opposite wall to bounce light around.
Where: In the bathroom
Why: Too much black marble in the bathroom would make the room dark, but as a shower stall feature it can add a luxurious atmosphere.
Here, black marble has been used to line the shower stall. Its dramatic effect is offset by the liberal application of white surface finishes elsewhere, as well as large mirrors along the opposite wall to bounce light around.
10. Tapware
Where: In the bathroom
Why: Black marble tap fittings are a smart, simple solution should you wish to introduce an attractive, quality element into a bathroom or ensuite.
It seems there is no end to the versatility of black marble, as is highlighted in the latest contemporary tapware range designed by Kelly Hoppen for Paco Jaanson. These beauties will never go unnoticed.
Why we’re going nuts for black tapware
Where: In the bathroom
Why: Black marble tap fittings are a smart, simple solution should you wish to introduce an attractive, quality element into a bathroom or ensuite.
It seems there is no end to the versatility of black marble, as is highlighted in the latest contemporary tapware range designed by Kelly Hoppen for Paco Jaanson. These beauties will never go unnoticed.
Why we’re going nuts for black tapware
11. Vanity unit
Where: In a powder room
Why: As a benchtop for a vanity basin, black marble introduces a decorative, quality element into any ensuite or powder room.
Set against a lighter, contrasting background, this black marble vanity unit provides a touch of glamour in this room. It can be cut from a solid piece of marble into a unique, contemporary design. However, be mindful of its sensitivity to acidic substances and opt for water-based cleaners and non-abrasive cloths to ensure its longevity.
Where: In a powder room
Why: As a benchtop for a vanity basin, black marble introduces a decorative, quality element into any ensuite or powder room.
Set against a lighter, contrasting background, this black marble vanity unit provides a touch of glamour in this room. It can be cut from a solid piece of marble into a unique, contemporary design. However, be mindful of its sensitivity to acidic substances and opt for water-based cleaners and non-abrasive cloths to ensure its longevity.
12. Decorative flooring
Where: In the hallway
Why: In the hall or entry, black (and white) marble is successful as a floor finish and gives visitors a sense that they are entering a tasteful home.
Black and white marble tiled floors are especially effective in a long hallway, to create interest and break up monotony.
TELL US
Where have you featured black marble in your home and what effect did it have? Upload your photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse a gallery of white marble features
Where: In the hallway
Why: In the hall or entry, black (and white) marble is successful as a floor finish and gives visitors a sense that they are entering a tasteful home.
Black and white marble tiled floors are especially effective in a long hallway, to create interest and break up monotony.
TELL US
Where have you featured black marble in your home and what effect did it have? Upload your photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse a gallery of white marble features
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We absolutely love to see our Black Marble and Granite slabs used in such beautiful fitouts. There are some very clever design minded people out there. One of my favourites is our Nero Marquina kitchen in Perth
Black marble is beautiful and I feel is very timeless. I like how it looks especially in furniture and accessories :)