know the size
- 1. Select an existing ring that fits the desired finger.
- 2. Measure the internal diameter of the ring in mm.
- 3. Select the diameter below to determine your ring size.
Customizing Your Ideal Kitchen with Marble
If the kitchen is your favorite place in the home, your wish is to have it practical, beautiful, and motivating. Building your dream kitchen begins with careful planning and research — especially when it comes to choosing the right worktop.
Choosing a higher-end worktop is one of the smartest first investments, as it sets the tone for the entire area. Marble worktops remain a popular choice for homeowners due to their timeless beauty, remarkable durability, and luxurious appearance.
This guide provides everything you need to know about marble worktops including their benefits, styles, maintenance requirements and how to choose the right marble surface to create your dream kitchen.
Marble and porous stones
Marble is an elegant metamorphic rock made primarily of recrystallized calcite or dolomite. It has been a stone of beauty in cathedrals, sculptures, luxury homes, and architectural masterpieces for thousands of years and is still one of the most sought-after materials in kitchen and bath design, especially for premium worktops.
An important thing to remember, however, is that marble is a porous stone.
What does “porous” mean?
When we say marble is porous, we mean the stone has microscopic, tiny little holes which allows air and liquids to pass through.
Why does porosity matter?
Because of these natural pores, certain spills can settle in the surface of the stone and potentially stain or etch, if you don’t clean them quickly. Certain household items literally spill onto the surface of the stone leaving a permanent mark on unprotected marble -- wine, coffee, lemon juice, vinegar, or tomato sauce are only a few examples.
While some homeowners may embrace the natural "patina," that goes along with living with marble, it is important to understand the risks -- and how to mitigate those risks.
Polished or Honed Finish?
Selecting a marble worktop is an important decision, and one of the biggest considerations is which finish will suit your kitchen best. Each finish has its own look and its own practical benefits.
Polished Marble
A polished marble worktop has a high-shine, reflective surface that immediately brings elegance and richness to your kitchen. The polished finish enhances the stone’s color and natural veining, producing a bright, sophisticated appeal in your kitchen.
Benefits:
- Offers a sleek, shiny sheen
- Naturally more resistant to spills and stains due to the sealed
surface
- Brings a luxurious or upscale feeling to the kitchen
Consideration:
- Polished marble will show scratches and etching in higher use areas more easily.
Honed (Matte) Finish
A honed matte finish has a smooth feel but has a matte texture. It brings a relaxed, understated elegance that has a more natural look compared to the polished finish.
Benefits:
- Will hide scratches and imperfections better
- Best for homeowners looking for a softer, more contemporary or rustic appeal
- A classic look as a timeless choice, often seen in classic designs, such as the Carrara Marble Collection
Consideration:
- Honed marble is inherently more porous and will slightly absorb staining if left, so a little more care and sealing will give you a little more reassurance.
Different Uses for Marble in Your Home
While marble is commonly used as a kitchen worktop, it is a versatile, luxurious material that can make any area of your home feel special. Available in many colours, patterns, and different finishes (such as polished and honed), marble’s timeless beauty and sophistication can suit any interior style.
Here are just a few of many beautiful ways to use marble in the home:
Bathroom Vanities
Marble is a designer-favourite for bathroom vanities, offering a clean, elegant, spa-like experience. The natural veining as well as the smooth surfaces impart a sense of indulgence while fitting in with modern and classic design of bathrooms.
Marble Flooring
Whether in hallways, bathrooms, or living areas, nothing brings a sense of polish like marble flooring. Marble reflects natural light and brightens your space, while its durability provides a high-end solution for long-term, high-traffic use.
Furniture and Decorative Accents
In all shapes and sizes, furniture and decorative accents made of marble always offer something special and high-end, whether it's a coffee table, side table, shelving, fireplace surround or accent wall. Smaller décor, like trays, lamp bases, and sculptures, allow marble's natural beauty to shine through in an understated and elevated way.
History of Marble
For thousands of years, marble has been cherished for its beauty, strength, and the value associated with its craftsmanship. The history of marble is closely related to ancient civilizations that revered the stone as one of the highest quality natural stones.
Ancient Greece
The Greeks were among the first and most influential users of marble, beginning with quarrying around the third century BC. Quarries from places such as Paros and Naxos provided some of the most famous marble in the world to complete temples, monuments, and sculptures. Some of the iconic Greek structures continue to endure today as a testimony to the durability and permanence of marble.
Anatolia (Present Day Turkey)
Anatolia also became a significant source of marble. In ancient times, and with the Roman and Ottoman Empires, Anatolia was a major supplier of marble used in architecture, trade, or monumental buildings. The marble from Anatolia became a highly prized stone sold throughout Europe and the Middle East for its quality and beauty.
Italian Marble Heritage
Italy laid down one of the greatest marble traditions in the world. From the early first millennium AD, Italian marble—especially from the Carrara region—has been used in architecture, sculpture, and landmark buildings. The priorities of the Italians continue today with Italian marble quality still regarded as one of the best marbles available.
The Current Use of Marble
With new cutting technology and fabrication tools, marble is more available to us then it has ever been. These new technologies allow us to take the ancient stone and make it into custom timeless, durable and elegant surfaces to be used in:
- kitchen work surfaces
- bathroom vanities
- flooring
- furniture
- accents
The long history of marble speaks of beauty, but it also speaks of a material that has been used and has endured packaging art, architecture, and interior design for thousands of years.
Marble Worktops - The Ideal Signature for Your Home
Marble worktops provide a clear sense of style, luxury, and elegance to any kitchen or bathroom area. The natural shine, beautiful veining, and timeless look of marble worktops will enhance and refine the appearance and feel of your home, while being practical and functional.
Both residential and commercial spaces view marble worktops as a high-end design option that signifies a sophistication and durability that never goes out of fashion.
Regardless of colour, pattern, or finish, marble gives you the freedom to dream up a space that reflects your style. Marble worktops come in an array of colour options from natural white, grey, and black to more dramatic greens, browns, and exotic tones; a marble worktop will suit any interior styling, whether it is modern, traditional, or somewhere in-between.
Beyond their stunning beauty and luxurious charm, marble worktops create a signature feature in your home that will be attractive for years to come.
Marble Worktops FAQ
Should I Purchase a Marble Kitchen Worktop?
Yes — if you are looking for timeless elegance, luxury, and natural beauty in your kitchen, marble worktops are a fantastic option. Marble worktops have impressive heat resistance, long-lasting durability, and a distinctively high-end appearance. A marble worktop can last a lifetime (with the right care) and improve the aesthetic value of your home.
Do Marble Worktops Stain?
As a porous natural stone, marble can stain if spills are not cleaned in a timely manner. Some common items that may stain include citrus juices, oils, curry, coffee, and red wine.
To help protect your marble worktop:
- Wipe spills up ASAP
- Reseal every 6-12 months
- Use gentle, ph-neutral cleaning products
If sealed and cared for properly, marble is both beautiful and practical.
Are Marble Worktops Long-Lasting?
Absolutely. Marble is naturally strong and durable; however:
- Polished finishes may show scratches more easily.
- Excessive heat can damage the surface.
- Resealing often will restrict moisture absorption and prolong the use of the top.
Always use trivets for very hot pans and cutting boards to help maintain the integrity of your marble.
Regarding the Colours
Marble is a natural stone that comes in a remarkable array of colours, patterns, and vein formations, all of which have their own unique character. Understanding what you want from your space will help you select the ideal marble colour for your kitchen countertop. The right colour can wholly change your kitchen look - from bright and light to warm and inviting.
Choosing the Best Marble Colour
As you choose a marble colour, think about the design of your kitchen as a whole:
Cabinets & Flooring - Your marble countertop should work with your cabinetry, flooring, and other design elements in the room for a cohesive, balanced look.
Lighting - Think about how much light, both natural and artificial, is getting into the room. Light marble tones can make your space feel bright and spacious, while dark colours can feel warm and elegant.
Design Style - It doesn't matter if your kitchen is modern, traditional, or minimalist, there is a shade of marble that will work perfectly with the look.
Vein Patterns - Many slabs of marble will have different vein and colour variations within different ranges. Finding distinct variations is one of the best ways to find a slab of marble that matches your vision.
Polished vs. Matte Finish
When selecting a finish for quality marble countertop, you are generally deciding between two popular options, polished or matte (often referred to as honed). Each one creates a different look and feeling so which is best will depend largely on your personal style and how you plan to utilize your space.
Polished Finish
A polished marble finish creates a high-gloss, reflective surface that immediately adds a luxurious and sophisticated feel to your space. The polished surface enhances the natural opulence of the veining in marble and also makes colours appear richer and brighter. On the other hand due to its reflective nature, polished marble easily shows scratches, marks and etching. Polished marble is better suited for low traffic areas or for a homeowner who is prepared to maintain marble regularly.
Matte (Honed) Finish
A matte or honed finish has a soft, smooth, non-shiny appearance which creates a more relaxed, contemporary feel. Matte finishes are great at hiding minor scratches, smudges or wear which is ideal for busy kitchens or high-traffic spaces.
While matte marble looks more understated, it still has the all the elegance and charm that marble is known for while making a more practical, everyday surface.
Enhance Your Home with Elegant Marble Worktops
Whether you prefer classic white Carrara or bold black Marquina, marble brings a natural charm that never fades. Browse our marble collection or request a free quote today.
Get a Free QuoteWhat is Marble and Why Should I Use It?
Marble is a naturally beautiful and elegant material that has inspired awe and admiration for many thousands of years. Known for its sophistication, unique veining, and variety of textures and tones, marble remains one of the most popular materials to use in kitchens, bathrooms and in luxury interior design.
Marble comes in an almost endless number of colours, from classic white and black to dramatic greens, browns, and exotic shades that elevate any kitchen, bath, or interior to a new level of sophistication and elegance. No two pieces of marble will ever be alike, giving your installation the unique quality of being a one-of-a-kind design.
Whether you are looking to add a modern upgrade to a home or a classic accent to a more traditional application, marble adds sophistication, character, and timeless beauty whenever it is used.
Carrara Marble
Functionality
Carrara marble is a versatile and robust natural stone, which means that it can be used throughout your kitchen or bathroom (or with any surface in your home). If installed properly by professionals and you maintain it appropriately, Carrara marble will last for decades and continue to look beautiful and maintain their structural integrity.
Heat Resistance
Carrara marble can withstand high-heat temperatures, meaning you can place warm pots and pans directly onto the surface without risk of damage initially.
However, to keep the polite look, it is advised to always place a wooden board or heat-resistant mat to protect the marble from prolonged damage to the surface finish.
Naturally Cool Surface
Carrara marble is also naturally cool to the touch making it an ideal surface for baking and other pastry operations. The cool surface of the marble helps ensure ingredients do not stick to the surface and allows work to be conducted with confidence.
Water Resistance
After being properly sealed, Carrara marble will become incredibly water-resistant and can be utilized not only in kitchens and bathrooms, but in spa-like areas where there is always water available.
Easy Care
Carrara marble is easy to care for after being sealed properly — as mentioned above, sealing is necessary for all natural stones. Simply routine clean and re-seal as needed, and your Carrara marble will have no problem lasting for years while continuing to look amazing and perform well for a long time.
Versatile
Carrara marble is a striking, versatile material for any interior space, from traditional and heritage homes to modern interiors. The gentle veining and color range of Carrara marble lend beauty and elegance to light or dark cabinetry and create a timeless beauty at every kitchen.
Carrara marble surfaces are available in a polished or honed finish and can be adapted for any style of interior design from contemporary smooth lines to classic heritage homes. In addition to surfaces, Carrara marble is used extensively in flooring, vanities, feature walls, shower cladding and luxury spa interiors, due to its unmatched versatility and timeless beauty.
Whether you choose to create an understated tranquillity, or an extravagant presence, Carrara marble provides differing levels of depth and character, and endless options luxury – making it one of the most popular design materials available for high-end residential or commercial interiors.
Availability
Carrara marble is one of the most readily available marbles in the UK, and is usually sold in large blocks and processed to make slabs of the highest quality. As it is one of the softer natural stones, Carrara marble can be fully cut, honed, and shaped, allowing for highly customisable designs.
This versatility is what makes it a great stone for bespoke projects such as:
- Creating a custom edge profile for a high-end feel
- Cut-outs to accommodate sinks, taps, or appliances
- Fully matching splashbacks and upstands
- Creating unique shapes for islands and feature walls
Carrara marble offers all the flexibility and timelessness to give you the creative license to create a fully bespoke kitchen or bathroom without sacrificing on luxury or aesthetics.
Bring the Elegance of Carrara Marble to Your Home
Discover our curated collection of Carrara marble designs and finishes. From kitchen countertops to bathroom vanities, transform your home with the timeless sophistication of marble.
Explore Our Collection