Classic in form, premium in nature, spectacular in style, and utterly unique in appearance, there is truly no material quite like Carrara marble.
A piece of marble furniture is a statement piece — a statement of unwavering style and a statement of flawless class. But what is marble exactly? How can you choose the right piece for your home and style it? And how can you maintain it at its best for years to come?
What is Carrara marble?
Marble is a uniquely beautiful material, beloved for its stunning luminous gloss and mesmerising patterns. But the allure of Carrara marble is more than skin deep.
This particular marble comes from Carrara, a city in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is the natural formation that occurs when marine organisms die, leaving behind calcite-rich shells. Those remains create limestone that, with intense pressure and heat, metamorphose into marble.
The more pure the limestone, the more white the marble is, which is exactly why Italy’s spectacular milky-hued marble is world-renowned. It is mostly a gentle soft white colour, but is accented with captivating veins of pale grey caused by impurities in the marble.
Making each and every marble structure, sculpture, and piece of furniture even more special is the fact that every slice of marble is unique. Much like in the natural structure of a snowflake or the lines of your fingerprint, the whimsical grey webs that criss-cross the marble are one of a kind – there are simply never two the same.
How to choose marble for your home
When searching for a marble table in Australia, it helps to begin with an idea of what you want before you start shopping.
The first decision for most homeowners is that of colour. Marble comes in a wide variety of hues, from soft milky whites to deep reds and browns, and with notable differences in the colours and shapes of the veining. Carrara marble is popular thanks to its timeless white hue, which complements any interior design scheme.
Another consideration is that of design. Marble is a timeless material, and any marble dining table is likely to last for many years to come, so a classic design that won’t age as trends come and go is important.
We love: The Clover Round Dining Table is as timeless in design as it is in material. A true replica of the famed 1950s tulip table, this elegant and organic marble top dining table will look just as chic today as it will decades from now.
How to style marble like the pros
With a marble dining table or side table in place, the next step is to style it to meld seamlessly with the rest of your décor.
One quick and easy trick is to introduce a handful of marble homewares about the space, such as a lamp, pot plant, or a small sculptural piece. This will create flow between the larger item and the rest of the room for a classic, pleasing aesthetic.
Live plants are a beautiful addition to any marble piece. The lush green tones and organic texture and softness of leaves and flowers will offset the striking durability of marble, all the while reinforcing the natural feel of the look.
Finally, use the gorgeous tones in the marble to play with the rest of the colours throughout your home. Bring out the soft greys of the Carrara’s veins by adorning your table with grey and charcoal décor for touches that contrast and complement, or opt for a sleek and minimalist look by layering white on white – adding a white rug under the table or a large piece of white wall art next to it.
Caring for your marble furniture
Natural marble is a spectacular material, yet despite its weight and its durable appearance, it needs a gentle touch.
Whether you have a marble dining table or a smaller piece of décor, you will need to bear in mind that marble is a natural, porous stone, and is therefore prone to staining, scratches, and chipping.
To best preserve the gorgeous aesthetic of marble, always protect it when it is in use, such as with placemats and coasters. Be extra careful with acidic substances such as wine, juice, coffee, and even tomato sauce, and never drag a heavy item across your tabletop.
You should also reseal the surface at least once per year (you can do this at home yourself with Guardsman Stone Seal & Protect), and keep the surface clean with regular dusting. Clean up any spills with a clean damp cloth, and never use chemical cleaners, dusting sprays, or furniture polishes.