Imperial White Marble
Marble comes in many varieties, but when you crave the soft luminosity this natural stone is renowned for, white marble is a classic way. Still, there are so many options to choose from, with popular varieties like Calacatta and Carrara topping the list. So, how can you pick the right natural stone for your home upgrade?
A good place to start is by deciding if you want the bold drama of prominent veining or if you prefer a low-variation stone that offers calming appeal. If you lean toward the latter, you’ll find that subtle Imperial White marble delivers tranquil vibes that can transform your home interior into a sanctuary when paired with the right design elements.
What features make this marble variety unique, and how can you fit it into your design plans for the most impressive effects? Here’s what you need to know before choosing Imperial White marble for countertops, backsplashes, or shower enclosures.
Cloudy with a Chance of Veins
Elegant, sophisticated Imperial White marble, quarried in Turkey, features a soft, white background and wispy, subtle veining in shades of pale to mid-tone gray, with hints of charcoal and touches of tawny brown.
Stone veining can vary from a cloud-like appearance to delicate, translucent striations that loop and swirl across the surface like windswept snowdrifts.
The overall aesthetic is soothing, to say the least. Whether you need a calming influence in your busy kitchen space or are seeking to create a Zen, spa-like en suite bathroom in dreamy neutrals, Imperial White marble is the peaceful variety that will help you relax and unwind the moment you enter your elegant living space.
A Basis for Demure or Dramatic Styling
Because the colors and patterns of this stone are subtle, it lends itself well to versatile pairing with a range of design elements. Imperial White looks equally stunning as part of a monochromatic kitchen design or as a contrast to black or dark grey cabinetry.
It also pairs incredibly well with cooler wood tones ranging from pale pine or creamy birch to ash beige or rich walnut. If you’re going for a spare Scandinavian design or simple, minimalist appeal, this stone will add hints of visual texture without shouting for attention.
Because Imperial White is somewhat reserved as a design element, it can also serve nicely as a backdrop for bolder design choices, such as colored cabinets, textured or patterned backsplash materials, and eye-catching hardware and fixtures in modern metallics or even bright colors.
Crisply white, soothingly striated, and incredibly calming, Imperial White marble offers the versatility many homeowners are looking for. If you change your mind about your design style down the line, it will be easy enough to paint cabinets or swap out hardware to create a totally new look without replacing countertops.
A Cut Above
Although marble is naturally hard, it’s among the softer stones used for interior design, with a Mohs’ scale rating of just 3 to 5. If you’re looking for options on the upper end of this range, you’ll find that Imperial White falls into the category of dolomites, or hard marbles.
What does this mean? Dolomites are less porous than many other marble varieties, making them slightly more resistant to common threats like heat, scratching, etching, staining, cracking, and chipping.
You’ll still need to carefully clean and maintain your counter surfaces for the sake of longevity, but you’ll enjoy greater resilience. Regularly resealing countertop surfaces is essential with marble of any variety, but you can choose a stone cleaner that includes some protection for sealant.
You could also wipe down surfaces with a soft, damp cloth daily and attack stuck-on grime with warm water and gentle dish soap. Clean up spills, especially acidic offenders like coffee, wine, and pasta sauce, quickly to prevent stains, and avoid abrasive products that could etch the surface and compromise your seal.
Academy Marble & Granite in New York & Connecticut Have a Variety of Imperial White Slabs
Imperial White marble is the epitome of refined design, with a soft, neutral palette and just a hint of patterning to add visual texture to your living spaces.
When you’re ready to find the ideal slab for your kitchen, bathroom, or other home upgrade project, it’s time to contact the talented team at Academy Marble & Granite for expert guidance. Visit our Bethel, CT, or Rye, NY, showrooms today to speak with an experienced countertop professional.
