Marble look tiles bring refined style to any space, offering the elegant look of natural marble but with much better durability and easier maintenance. They're ideal for creating eye-catching feature walls in living rooms and bathrooms, with options ranging from subtle matte to dramatic veined finishes. These tiles also complement a wide range of decor styles, making them a popular choice for transforming home interiors.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a feature wall using marble look tiles, as well as how different tile patterns and grout lines can improve the overall look of your room. The goal is to combine functionality and visual appeal, which can result in a stunning and long-lasting impact in your space.
Why Choose Marble Look Tiles for a Feature Wall?
Marble is a popular choice in interior design due to its luxurious appearance and timeless elegance. Its distinctive veining enhances a variety of settings and is available in colors ranging from stark whites to deep blacks, with Carrara, Calacatta, and Emperador being particularly popular. These variations are known for their distinct patterns and depth of color, which elevate both residential and commercial spaces. However, marble is not without its drawbacks—it is porous, prone to staining, and requires regular maintenance to maintain its aesthetic quality.
To address these issues, marble look tiles, typically made of ceramic or porcelain, offer a practical solution. These tiles replicate the classic beauty of marble while eliminating much of the maintenance due to their non-porous nature, making them more durable and stain-resistant. Because of their durability, they are also ideal for frequently used areas as well as moisture-prone environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. For those considering a feature wall, opting for marble look tiles is a smart choice as they combine the visual appeal of marble with the practical advantages of modern materials.
Planning Your Feature Wall Design
Designing a feature wall with marble look tiles requires careful planning to ensure it enhances the overall aesthetics of your room. We’ll walk you through this process so you’ll select the perfect tiles to complement your existing décor.
Assessing the Space
When planning a feature wall, it is important to select the appropriate wall to highlight. Consider walls that serve as natural focal points, such as those behind a bed in a bedroom or a sofa in a living room. Also, consider the size and layout of the wall—larger walls may benefit from a bold pattern, whereas smaller areas may require a more subtle approach to avoid overwhelming the space.
Choosing the Right Tiles
Selecting the right marble look tiles involves matching colors, patterns, and finishes with your room’s existing style and color scheme. Consider the mood you want to set as well as the light in your room—polished finishes will reflect light and brighten it, whereas matte finishes might give a more muted, sophisticated feel.
By carefully considering these elements, you can ensure that your feature wall not only stands out but also integrates seamlessly with the rest of your room, creating a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Creating a Cohesive Design
Designing a cohesive feature wall with marble look tiles involves meticulous planning and a keen eye for detail. We’ll guide you on how to effectively coordinate colors, select patterns, and use accents to create a visually appealing wall.
Color Coordination
When choosing tile colors, think about both matching and contrasting with your room's existing color scheme. You can either choose marble look tiles that reflect the subtle tones of your furniture and textiles to create a cohesive look, or for a more striking effect, choose those that are in stark contrast to the main colors in your room. For instance, a dark veined marble look tile like the Aniston 12x24 Matte Porcelain Tile in Calacatta Antico, as shown in the photo above, can stand out against a light-colored room. For a subtler effect, consider using light beige or soft gray tiles that will blend smoothly with neutral walls and furniture, enhancing your space without overwhelming it.
Patterns and Layouts
Different tile patterns can drastically alter the perception of space in a room. For example, a herringbone or chevron pattern, similar to how the Aniston 3x12 Polished Porcelain Tile in Calacatta Top was laid, as shown in the image above, brings a dynamic and modern feel that is appropriate for contemporary living spaces. In contrast, a classic brickwork pattern may better suit traditional or industrial settings. Ultimately, the key to achieving a balanced design is to consider the scale and orientation of your marble look tiles in relation to the room’s dimensions and architectural features, ensuring that the pattern complements the overall aesthetic of the space.
Accents and Borders
Incorporating accent tiles or borders can greatly enhance the depth and interest of your feature wall. You can choose accents that either complement or thoughtfully contrast with the main tiles. For example, a metallic border might frame a section of marble look tiles for a luxurious finish, or hand-painted decorative tiles could introduce an artisan touch to a simpler layout, adding both color and texture.
By carefully planning each element, from color coordination to the inclusion of unique accents, your feature wall will not only draw the eye but also seamlessly integrate into the overall design of your room, ensuring a beautiful and cohesive aesthetic. 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 different options and see how each tile choice affects your interior design before making a final decision.
Installation Tips
Proper installation is also essential for achieving the desired finish on your marble look tile feature wall. We’ll walk you through the preparation and finishing steps, ensuring that your wall looks great and is built to last.
Preparation
Before starting the tile installation, it's crucial to ensure the wall surface is properly prepared. Clean the wall thoroughly to remove any dust, debris, or grease, and verify that it is smooth and level. Additionally, gather all necessary tools and materials in advance, such as tile adhesive, spacers, a notched trowel, and a level, to facilitate a smooth workflow.
Grouting and Sealing
After you've laid your tiles, choose a grout color that complements or contrasts with them to enhance the design. Apply the grout carefully, filling all gaps between the tiles and wiping away any excess with a damp sponge. After the grout has cured, use a sealant to protect the grout lines from moisture and staining. This step is critical to preserving the long-lasting beauty of your marble look tiles.
For the best results, always install and maintain according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you're unsure about any aspect of the installation process, consider hiring a professional to ensure your feature wall is installed correctly and safely. This approach helps to avoid potential issues while also ensuring a long-lasting, professional finish.
Enhancing Your Feature Wall
Once your marble look tile feature wall is in place, enhancing and maintaining its appearance will ensure it remains a focal point in your space. Here's how you can highlight the beauty of your feature wall and keep it looking its best.
Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for showcasing the intricate designs and lustrous finish of your marble look tiles. Consider installing accent lighting, such as directional spotlights or LED strip lights, to illuminate the wall and enhance the visual depth of the tile patterns. Well-placed lighting not only highlights the unique features of the tiles but also creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere in the room.
Decor and Accessories
Complement your feature wall with carefully chosen furniture, artwork, and other decor items. Choose pieces that complement the color and texture of the tiles. Metallic frames or glass decorations, for example, can reflect light and enhance the marble-like surface's luxurious feel. A carefully chosen decor can bring the room together by enhancing the aesthetics of the walls while keeping the overall space consistent.
Maintaining the Look
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to keep your feature wall looking elegant. For marble look tiles crafted from ceramic or porcelain, you can use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to remove dust and stains without damaging them. If you're using Edward Martin tiles, you're in luck as our tiles typically don't require sealing, simplifying your maintenance routine. However, it's still a good practice to regularly check and maintain the sealant on any grout lines to protect against moisture and wear. By staying consistent with these upkeep efforts, you can ensure that your feature wall remains pristine and stunning for years to come.
Transform Your Space with Marble Look Tiles
Marble look tiles provide an exceptional balance of sophistication and practicality, making them an excellent choice for feature walls in living rooms, bathrooms, and entryways. They have the luxurious appearance of natural marble but require little maintenance, and they blend seamlessly into a wide range of interior design themes, from classic to contemporary. To maximize the impact of these tiles, careful planning and installation are crucial.
If you're thinking about starting your own feature wall project and need some help, don't hesitate to contact us! Our team is ready to help you through every step of the process, from tile selection to installation, to ensure that your feature wall has the perfect look and long-lasting performance.
