04.11.2021

Tips & trends

Marble and wood for a durable look

Apparently opposites, marble and wood share common characteristics and elegant colour variations that make them original and unique. Discover with intOndo how to combine them and which furnishings are best suited to this exceptional combination.

Protagonists of our homes since ancient times, marble and wood are two materials capable of creating balance and harmony not only in floors and walls, but also in furnishing accessories. Whether it is a console table to embellish the entrance, or a beautiful pair of bedside tables with marble tops, or imposing dining tables to impress your guests, in any case the refined effect is guaranteed.  

Marble and wood can be combined in a judicious way to achieve very different effects, thanks above all, to the variety of types. In fact, although they are very different materials, they share a grain structure that makes them perfect for creating personalised and differentiated combinations according to any taste. 

By its very nature, we tend to associate wood with the qualities of a warm and welcoming material, while marble is associated with coldness and detachment. But this is not always the case and sometimes the opposite is true! There are examples of marbles with warm veins, such as white Calacatta marble, red Verona marble or black Tunisian marble, which create a cosy and homely effect.

You can also opt for colder shades: in this case, grey marbles such as the famous Bardiglio marble or Carnico grey marble are preferred, or light marbles with grey veins such as Carrara marble.  

Each marble can be combined with an infinite variety of woods, and vice versa, depending on the desired effect. Like marble, wood has a changeable nature and can convey a warm or less warm atmosphere depending on its essence, tone and combination. 

For example, warm-grained marbles go perfectly with natural woods in equally warm colours, such as teak or mahogany, or with neutral or taupe woods such as oak or Canaletto walnut. 

For a cooler tone environment, you can choose grey elm or bleached oak for lighter shades, or even dark walnut and ebony for those who prefer darker colours.

Another common element between these two elegant materials is resistance: if properly maintained, marble and wood will ensure the quality and durability of your furniture over the years. There are special treatments for these materials, which ensure that they will last even in hot and humid environments such as the kitchen or bathroom. 

You can play with contrasts or maintain softer tones, choose woods and marbles with more articulated grains or other simpler ones: the possibilities for this wonderful combination are endless and guarantee durability and versatility.