Marble is timeless.

Marble, with its refined beauty, has long held a prominent place in the world of architecture. Predominantly, the choice of cathedral architects and sculptors of ancient times has been white marble, an enduring symbol of purity, sophistication, and strength.

Marble's transition into interior design was inevitable. Its natural elegance, versatility, and unique texture made it a sought-after material for luxurious homes and buildings. As Singaporeans grew more affluent and well-travelled, the idea of using marble into their home designs became an aspirational element in luxury homes.

Today, white marble, especially types like Carrara and Volakas, remains a top choice in modern-day home décor. The alluring veins running through the pure white surface can transform a room, adding an air of luxury and sophistication. 

Kitchen Use

In kitchen design, white marble countertops are the epitome of elegance. They create a clean, bright ambiance that's both charming and inviting. Marble's use in bathrooms, on the other hand, gives the space a spa-like serene feel. This stone's appeal lies not only in its beauty but also in its ability to evoke a sense of tranquillity.

Statement Piece

The Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris (Image Source: Jeff on The Road )

White marble has also found its space on the floors in grand foyers, in chic boutique hotels, and stylish lofts. It instantly raises the bar of refinement, signalling a timeless and classic aesthetic, especially when the use of white marble goes onto the walls and not just the floors. With book-matching slabs adorning a focal point in the hall, it can quite quickly set the tone in the design of the space.

Despite being vulnerable to staining, the demand for white marble remains high. Why is it so? Perhaps because no two pieces of marble are alike, each piece tells its own story, manifests its own beauty, a fact no artificial material can mimic.

In this article we talk about the different type of White marbles and drop hints on how much they cost. These prices stated here are approximations and can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including quality, thickness, and any special treatments the stone may have undergone. It's always recommended to consult directly with a marble supplier for the most accurate pricing. We recommend Kstone and Hafary for your stone shopping.

•    Carrara Marble: 

Originates from Italy. It's recognized by its light grey veining against a soft white background. As one of the commonly used marble types, it is on the less expensive side and is easily available. However, the grey veining may sometimes be too much and end up taking over the white. Perfect for kitchen counter tops as the busy veining helps to camouflage cooking mess.

Best for: Counter Tops, Floor and Wall Tiling

Cost: USD $25-$75 per square foot.

•    Calacatta Marble: 

Also, from Italy. Known for its pronounced and thick veining in beige, gold, or grey against a pure white background. It is more rare and thus significantly more expensive.

Best for: Wall Feature, Bookmatching, Counter Tops, Floor and Wall Tiling

Cost: USD $70-$200 per square foot.

•    Statuario Marble: 

Bookmatching Statuario Extra Premium Marble (Image Source: Better Marble Import )

 An Italian marble known for its distinct grey and gold veining on a bright white background. Its rarity and striking beauty make it one of the more expensive marbles. This marble is also known as the Rolls Royce of White Marble. 

Best for: Wall Feature, Bookmatching, Counter Tops, Floor and Wall Tiling

Cost: USD $80-$200 per square foot.

•    Thassos Marble: 

Polished Thassos Marble  (Image Source: Better Marble Import )

Native to Greece. This marble is almost pure white with little to no veining, giving it a sleek, modern appeal. 

Best for: Flooring and Wall Tiling 

Cost: USD $30-$80 per square foot.

•    Bianco Sivec Marble: 

Harvested in Macedonia. It is highly valuable due to its incredibly pure white colour offset with subtle veining. Many designers go for this marble because of its minimal veining and white colour tone.

Best for: Flooring and Wall Tiling 

Cost: USD $50-$100 per square foot.

•    Vietnamese White Marble: 

As the name implies, it's from Vietnam. Known for its extreme durability and beautiful bright white colour. The stone sometimes look like it’s a quartz/granite tile as it has very little veining. Definitely cost effective and beautiful, but you can’t use it for wall features.

Best for: Flooring and Wall Tiling 

Cost: USD $20-$40 per square foot.

•    Yule Marble: 

Quarried in the U.S. state of Colorado, the marble is known for its uniform and pure white colour. Many designers have used this marble for wall features and counter tops.

Best for: Wall Feature, Bookmatching, Counter Tops 

Cost: USD $50-$60 per square foot.

•    Arabescato Marble: 

An Italian marble, characterized by a white background with cluster of light grey veining. It is very durable and can be used for external wall claddings as well. Not ideal for small spaces flooring as it can make the space look too busy.

Best for: Wall Feature, Counter Tops

Cost: USD $40-$80 per square foot.

•    Volakas Marble: 

Volakas marble from Greece (Image Source: Better Marble Import )

Derived from Greece, this marble type is known for its elegant white background that's gracefully adorned with light grey, purple, or blue veining. This variety adds an essence of tranquillity and sophistication to any space. Its price range varies widely, typically depending on the quality and specific variation. An affordable choice if you are looking for a robust and distinct veining in the marble.

Best for: Wall Feature, Bookmatching, Counter Tops 

Cost: USD $30-$60 per square foot.

Consider before you buy

If you’ve decided to go for marble on your flooring, wall tiles and counter tops, please remember that these materials, while beautiful to look at, are more expensive than your regular porcelain tiles. They require more maintenance and care. Marble is a natural material and has pores which may stain easily. Do your homework, understand your use, your family’s lifestyle and your cleaning habits before you invest in this beautiful material for your home.

Posted on 16th November 2023

Written by Astley Ng – the designerd

SIXIDES Editorial Team