Marble Subway Tile: Luxury Made Accessible
To us, marble applications tend to exist in one of two extremes: a graceful ode to natural, glimmering beauty or a gaudy status symbol carelessly dropped in. At its best, marble is almost unmatched in terms of color, style, and even versatility, so we always appreciate when designers take the time and effort needed to build a space that frames the marble well, leaning into the natural characteristics that make this material so special. In fact, that’s why we offer our marble subway tile.
Authentic Marble for Everyone!
Because of its lower cost relative to slabs, modular nature, and easy installation, marble subway tile brings accessibility to marble, encouraging all sorts of new applications:
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Honestly, is there anything better than an archway? This bathroom’s tall arch gives the marble subway tile shower a positively regal framing, making this space feel simply luxurious. Though spaces have an opulent appearance, the reality is that designs like this are fairly simple and easier to attain than one might think. Think about it: by simply rounding off the top of the doorway to shower, this designer was able to completely transform the feel of their bathroom, opening up the room and adding something quite distinctive in the process. Rather than adding more and more elements to make this space one-of-a-kind, this designer simply adds a few rounded edges that make all the difference.
Beyond the brilliant shower doorway and all it adds to this bathroom, this designer’s less-is-more approach seems to continue into the shower itself, which uses our Casablanca Carrara marble to great effect. Our signature marble, Casablanca Carrara boasts all the sleek beauty one should expect from white marble. Alongside the darker wood in this bathroom, the Casablanca Carrara’s brightness is a welcome bit of decor that glimmers in perfect contrast. This bathroom’s combination of these two elements is the perfect example of why sometimes, the classics just can’t be beat.
Though our marble subway tile is an ideal choice for spaces that just need a touch of the classics, this variety of tile is certainly not limited to traditional applications. In fact, marble can be a fantastic material for grounding more modern designs, like this shower:
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This wide open shower, which uses both our 6×12 Casablanca Carrara marble subway tile and our Hex Casablanca Carrara mosaic marble tile, reveals how marble tile can stand on its own in creating a memorable and stylish space. In a lot of modern spaces, the challenge that designers have to overcome is figuring out how to keep the space from feeling cold or unwelcoming. This becomes even more difficult in bathrooms, where bright white and tiling are more common. As you can see here, marble proves to be an excellent material for combatting this feeling, as the natural dark and light grey striations soften the stark edges of the white. Even in showers as expansive as this one, where too much white could easily make it feel harsh and bright, the marble is softened just enough by the added natural color to make this space feel as comfortable as it is upscale.
Spaces like this also illustrate the value of the marble tile itself, which is much more affordable and practical than custom-hewn marble slabs. This designer uses more affordable, accessible materials to create an utterly elegant space, with every bit of the beauty that would come from the more expensive slabs. All around, this shower is a testament to the power and singular beauty of marble tile.
Another of our favorite aspects of marble tile is its versatility. It doesn’t exclusively have to be used in large-scale applications, like large kitchens or double showers; it can be used in much smaller, cozier spaces, once again setting itself apart from the slab format:
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This gold-accented bathroom shows that marble subway tile can be an ideal material for adding just touches of contrast and softening the stark edges of broadly white spaces. In spaces like this, too much of any one bit of decor can make the whole thing feel gaudy. Too much gold might darken the space and make it feel counterintuitively cheap, while too much marble could make the space feel overly textured. This designer carefully and flawlessly balances the gold, marble, and white walls and sink, creating a stylish-yet-classic look. The marble subway tile, seen here in our large 6×12 Casablanca Carrara, was added in just enough quantity to soften the porcelain white with a touch of contrast and serve as a remarkably functional backsplash. Additionally, the grey streaks are a perfect counterbalance to the warmth of the gold accents. In this full bathroom shot, you can see how these elements interact in a broader setting:
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This shot, in which you can also see our 5” Hexagon mosaic Casablanca Carrara marble tile in action, reveals how delicate a balancing act this space is, which attests to this designer’s distinctive vision and execution. Gold and marble can seem overly opulent if either is overused, and it’s very easy to overuse either one while attempting to add the proper amount of contrast. This designer offsets the marble by only using it for a half wall and by using a different tile for the floor, while spreading the gold accents throughout the room. All in all, this designer manages to keep all elements in check, allowing this small but unforgettable space to flourish.
Don’t Settle for Less
For too long, marble has been relegated to the realm of luxury, being used in decadent and perhaps slightly tacky spaces instead of tastefully like this amazing material deserves. Marble subway tile makes classic marble easier to afford, install, and appreciate, opening up exciting new opportunities for designers from all walks of life. If you’re interested in seeing any of our marble subway tile in person, please free to order a sample today, and we’ll ship directly to your front door.