Marble look tiles have emerged as a popular choice for homeowners who like the elegance of natural marble without the maintenance and expense. These tiles successfully replicate the sophisticated appearance of marble, showcasing a variety of colors and patterns that can enhance the style of any room.
Thanks to advancements in tile manufacturing, marble look tiles now offer exceptional durability and stain resistance, making them ideal for busy areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. In this guide, we will look at the key features and benefits of these tiles, giving you the information you need to select the best marble look tile for each room in your home.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, selecting the right materials can elevate both its aesthetic appeal and practicality. Marble look porcelain tiles, in particular, offer the durability and luxurious appearance of natural stone, making them an ideal choice for kitchen upgrades. They can be used to improve a variety of areas, including flooring and backsplashes, creating a cohesive, chic atmosphere throughout the space. If you want to create a minimalist and contemporary kitchen design like the one shown above, Edward Martin's Giselle 24x24 Polished Porcelain Tile in Shell can help you achieve that vision.
The tile’s polished surface captures and reflects light, creating a soft luminosity that brightens the room, while the gentle taupe-toned veining adds an elegant, natural touch. Perfect for backsplashes and countertops, this Giselle tile complements clean lines and neutral tones, creating a refined and harmonious ambiance that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. For added detail, subtle mosaic tiles can also be integrated into accent areas, further enhancing the room’s texture and visual depth, and enriching the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
To maintain the beauty of these marble look tiles—whether in large format or mosaic—simple care routines are key. For those crafted from ceramic or porcelain, regular sweeping and damp mopping with a gentle, pH-balanced cleaner will keep them in a pristine condition. Following the manufacturer's care instructions, especially avoiding harsh chemicals, will also ensure these tiles continue to enhance your kitchen’s style with minimal effort over time.
Bathroom
If you want a refined but inviting bathroom, as shown in the image above, Edward Martin's Aniston 24x48 Matte Porcelain Tile in Calacatta Quarzite is an excellent choice for both the walls and floors. With its soft, white base and delicate dark veining, this tile adds a subtle elegance that complements a variety of fixtures and finishes, allowing you to create a serene, spa-like environment in your bathroom.
Consider also incorporating marble-look mosaic tiles into smaller accent areas, such as shower niches or around the vanity, to add texture and detail. Choosing complementary tones, such as muted gold or light bronze fixtures adds to the luxurious ambiance while maintaining a harmonious color palette.
However, while porcelain tiles, such as this Aniston tile in Calacatta Quarzite, are highly resistant to moisture and offer slip resistance through matte finishes, proper installation and care are still required for long-term durability in high-moisture areas. This well-balanced combination of large-format and mosaic tiles not only improves functionality but also adds visual appeal, making your bathroom both practical and stylish.
Living Room
The living room is a focal point for family gatherings and entertainment, so durable and stylish materials are essential. For instance, the fireplace surround in the space shown above is made of Edward Martin's Chantel 24x48 Matte Porcelain Tile in Imperial, which provides a natural marble appearance that is both modern and timeless. Its matte finish reduces glare and its soft gray tones can complement a variety of decor styles, resulting in a unified backdrop that does not overpower the space.
This marble look porcelain tile is also designed for high-heat areas and offers both aesthetic appeal and durability, making it a dependable choice for fireplace surrounds when properly installed. Its mosaic variation can also be used in smaller areas, such as an accent wall or a bar nook, to add texture and subtle contrast.
Bedroom
The bedroom is a personal retreat where comfort and elegance exist together, and choosing the right materials is critical to creating a relaxing environment. If you want a warm, contemporary look, Edward Martin's Blair 24x48 Matte Porcelain Tile in Oniciata Beige is an excellent choice for bedroom flooring. The Oniciata Beige shade, with its gentle blend of warm, earthy tones, provides a neutral foundation that works well with a variety of color schemes, whether you prefer rich, cozy hues or lighter, airy palettes. The matte finish also enhances this serene effect by softening the tile's surface, reducing glare, and creating a peaceful ambiance ideal for relaxation.
If you want to add visual interest, use Edward Martin's Blair 3x3 Matte Porcelain Hexagon Mosaic Tile in Oniciata Grey in accent areas like a feature wall behind the headboard or a decorative fireplace surround (if there is one). The mosaic's soft grey tones add intricate detail and texture, providing a sophisticated contrast while maintaining a cohesive, elegant appearance throughout the space.
Entryway and Hallway
Marble look tiles can transform entryways and hallways into elegant, high-functioning spaces within your home. If you're aiming for a design that balances classic charm with modern simplicity, as illustrated in the image above, consider incorporating Edward Martin’s Leona 24x24 Checkerboard Matte Porcelain Tile in Calacatta and Amani Bronze. This tile brings a sophisticated visual contrast because of its diagonal checkered pattern that enhances the sense of space. The subtle interplay of white and brown tones also creates a warm, inviting palette that works well with both contemporary and traditional decor elements. More importantly, its matte finish minimizes slipping risks and reduces glare, establishing a welcoming atmosphere right from the doorstep.
You may also consider incorporating marble look mosaic tiles in strategic locations, such as borders or focal points, to add depth and sophistication to your entryway and hallway. These small, detailed tiles not only add a luxurious touch but also improve safety due to their thicker grout lines and textured surfaces. Choosing mosaics with a higher coefficient of friction will create a safer walking surface, which is especially important in potentially slippery hallways.
Also remember that if your hallway connects to an exterior door that is exposed to the elements, you must use highly weather-resistant porcelain tiles. Porcelain's low porosity and high abrasion resistance enable it to withstand harsh weather conditions, which ensures durability. This option can also preserve the aesthetic integrity of your space while enduring rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Outdoor Spaces
When designing outdoor spaces, choosing the right flooring is essential for both durability and functionality. Marble look porcelain tiles, in particular, can elevate patios, decks, and pathways by offering a combination of style and strength to withstand various weather conditions. By understanding the key features of these tiles, you can create an outdoor area that is not only visually appealing but also resilient enough to endure the changing seasons.
Weather Resistance Features
As previously mentioned, high-quality porcelain tiles are ideal for outdoor spaces due to their low porosity, which helps resist water absorption and freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, look for tiles with a high abrasion resistance rating to ensure they can endure the wear and tear associated with outdoor activities. Always review the manufacturer's specifications to confirm that the tiles are suitable for outdoor installation, ensuring your investment remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
Slip Resistance Features
When choosing tiles for outdoor spaces, safety is of the utmost importance, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Choose marble look tiles with a textured surface or a slip-resistance rating of at least 0.60 to improve traction, particularly around pool areas or patios that are exposed to rain. These tiles create a safer environment for families and guests, allowing them to enjoy the outdoor space with confidence.
If you want to see how the right marble look tile can transform your space, use our augmented reality (AR) tool to view different colors and finishes in real-time. It's a great way to test out various options and see how each tile choice affects your interior design before making a final decision.
Marble Look Tiles for Your Home
When choosing marble look tiles for your home, you must consider the specific materials that will improve the beauty and functionality of your spaces. Choose high-quality porcelain or ceramic tiles that mimic the natural veining and textures of real marble, as these options provide greater durability and require less maintenance. For frequently used areas, select tiles with a PEI rating of 4 or 5 to ensure they can withstand scratches and stains while maintaining their visual appeal.
Furthermore, always check the slip resistance of your chosen tiles, particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. This helps to avoid accidents and promotes safety for your family and visitors. For any questions or personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us! Our team is here to assist you through each step of your marble look tile selection and installation, helping you achieve the perfect style and durability for your space.
