We talk marble
Marble is often associated with classical sculpture and architecture, but this uniquely configured material is enjoying a revival in contemporary furniture and lighting design. A high-quality, natural material that lasts; you’ll find that marble possesses a timeless appeal, evocative of opulence and luxury.
Every piece of marble is its own work of art
Every piece of marble is its own work of art. From brilliant white Carrara marble to the striking green tones of Alpi Verde marble – every piece features a unique pattern forged over millions of years.
Not just in demand for its intricate beauty though, marble is tactile, strong and carries a reputation thousands of years in the making. One of the most enduring materials in architecture and interiors, the Romans and Greeks used marble to construct landmarks such as the Pantheon alongside adorning their domestic interiors. This illustrious history combined with its natural beauty and innate durability imbues marble with a real sense of luxury.
What is marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure from the earth. Over millions of years, the limestone begins to recrystallise, changing the texture of the stone and transforming it into the beautiful marble we know and love.
Marble can be found all over the world, with unique veining and colouring changing alongside the geography. Italy is renowned for producing beautiful white toned Carrara and Arasbescato marble whereas you can find the stunning brown Emperador marble in Turkey. The patterns in marble were formed thanks to bedrock impurities that drew lines in the stone as they were compressed and heated by the earth.
Sustainable production, from quarry to factory
Here at Nest, we make sure to only stock furniture from responsible brands, with transparent production methods. Brands such as Knoll make sure to source their marble from responsible European quarries to reduce the amount of transportation needed and ensure fair wages for the producers.
The marble for the iconic Knoll Saarinen Tulip Table is sourced from quarries in Slovenia and Italy, whilst the marble for the stunning Audo Copenhagen Plinths is sourced from Spain and Italy, before being handcrafted in Portugal.
Designs to last a lifetime
When you love something, you keep it – and that’s the simplest step towards creating more sustainable interiors. As you probably know, we firmly believe in forever design here at Nest. We think it is better to buy once and buy well, choosing pieces that will stand the test of time and will not need to be replaced in just a few years’ time. We reject a throwaway society.
Marble is a finite natural resource that can be resource-intensive to extract from the earth, something we have to carefully consider. However, it is also celebrated for its durability, and when this is combined with good design - marble is a material that will last for generations.
Styles such as the Knoll Saarinen Tulip Tables and Flos Snoopy Table Lamp are timeless investments that will look as good in 100 years as they do today. We believe this is the simplest way to ensure that what you are buying is sustainable.
How to identify genuine marble
So how can you tell if marble is genuine? Perhaps the easiest way is to test if your marble can be scratched. As a relatively soft stone, you should be able to see a mark when you try and scratch your marble with a knife. If no marks show, your marble might be an imitation of granite or manufactured stone.
However, if you are testing a table lamp or dining table – you probably don’t want to scratch the surface with this method deliberately! Other things to look out for include a glossy sheen and the absence of stark, bright colours – natural marble will have a variety of muted, natural tones.
Finally, check the brand that made your product. If you have a dining table from Knoll, a floor lamp from Audo Copenhagen or a table lamp from Flos – you can be confident your marble is genuine. Reputable retailers will have details about the origins and type of marble used in their products.
How to care for your marble
As a porous, natural product - marble can absorb liquids and stain quite easily. Many manufacturers will use a sealant to prevent staining but it’s always worth being careful with the material. If there is a spillage on the surface of your marble, wipe it up as quickly as you can and be very careful with acidic liquids such as lemon juice or vinegar.
If you would like to clean your marble on a day to day basis, we recommend using simply a soft cloth and warm water, a non-abrasive, non-acidic household cleaner can be used if you need something a little stronger. Remember to never use steel wool or other abrasive cloths on marble as it can scratch the surface.
We always recommend adding a coating of marble wax after you’ve finished the cleaning process. This will help to keep your marble protected and free from marks.
If you have a stubborn stain or scratches you would like to remove, please contact a member of our team who can provide you with more detailed advice.
Discover the allure of marble at Nest today
Our collection of elegant modern marble furniture, lighting and home accessories includes pieces in Carrara white marble or Nero Marquina marble by Cassina, Tom Dixon, Lee Broom, Wendelbo and many more.
Own a beautiful piece of marble design in your own home? Share it with us over Instagram @nest_co_uk
