Early Use of Marble
Marble has been used to create antique treasures since the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, India and China. It has a long and varied history - used to create works of art and many decorative antiques (such as sculptures and statutes). Additionally it was a building material for mosques, temples and tombs, in buildings such as the Taj Mahal in India and the Parthenon in Athens, which are dominated by impressive marble columns and obelisks. Ancient civilizations also used marble to make domestic furniture such as baths, seats and tables, today some of these are highly regarded examples of decorative antique furniture.
Decorative antiques made from marble have always reflected the artistic and cultural trends of the time period they were created in. Greek works of art were known for their realism, whilst Roman statutes placed more emphasis on portraiture and depicting character, often reflecting their belief in mythology, they were also used as a focus for religious worship.
During the Middle Ages the use of marble for religious statues and other precious antique decorative items continued. Following this time, during the Renaissance, marble was used for making English antique furniture, such as tables and mantlepieces. French antique furniture of this period also used marble - beautiful and elaborate torchères and console tables often had marble tops.
How Marble is Formed
The formation of marble is fascinating in its own right. It is a natural stone that is formed from limestone which then undergoes a natural process called recrystallization - heat and pressure from inside the earth's crust change its texture and formation. During this process fossilized materials, the original carbonate minerals and various impurities come together to form large coarse grains of calcite. Calcite or dolomite, or a combination of these carbonate minerals make marble.
Variations in this process create marble with many different characteristics – be it colour, pattern, texture or porosity. Most types of marble are identified and named by their colours –
Bardiglio - A black background and white veining, there are various types of this marble.
Calacatta - A white background with bold, dramatic veining that can range from gold to grey. This is similar to Carrara marble but it is rarer and thought of as more luxurious.
Carrara - This is one of the most commonly used household marbles today, and is currently the most extracted. It has a white or blue-grey. Statuary Marble is similar, but with less veining, and is quarried in the same region.
Crema Marfil - A beige or cream-colored background and light veining.
Emperador - Various shades of brown, with white veins running through it.
Galala – White with beige veins, quarried in Egypt.
Sivec - White with grey veins, quarried in North Macedonia.
Rosso di Levanto - Red or sometimes purple with white veins, quarried in Italy.
Sunny - Yellow with white veins, quarried in Egypt.
Marble in Antique Furniture and Interiors
The value of antique furniture made from marble partly depends on the attributes of the marble - its rarity, age, condition and how it was produced. When assessing the condition of antique marble it is important to look for chips, cracks, scratches, dulling, and discoloration. Also consider whether the marble is handmade or machine-made, as this will affect its value.
Marble is a beautiful stone and throughout history, as we have seen, craftsmen have been drawn to it as a material of choice for creating wonderful objects.
Using antiques made from marble will add enormously to the appeal and atmosphere of your interior space. Whether you choose to include sculptures, antique tables, antique lighting, or other decorative antiques made from marble, such as vases or picture frames, antique marble will help you to create a distinctive and well balanced room.
The decorative appeal of marble is that it is timeless and classic. It has been admired and sought after throughout history, it is associated with sophistication and elegance and when used in the home it can add a sense of luxury to any room. Interestingly it is often not as expensive as it looks, and when chosen well antiques made from marble can represent good financial value.
Marble antiques and interiors work well together, they can enhance the look and feel of your home. Placed properly marble antiques will reflect light and make your space look brighter and more spacious. They give a subtle sheen and a delicate lustre that can add radiance to your room.
Choosing and Using Marble Antiques
As we have seen there are many different types of marble which have been used to make antiques – all with different textures and colours. Each antique is therefore unique, with its distinctive natural veining and markings. By placing these antique decorative items in your home you can add individuality and personality to your interior space.
Decorating with marble antiques gives you extra versatility - they work well in both traditional and mid-century settings. By choosing, for example, marble in a strong dark colour or veining you can add warmth to a room, or alternatively choosing a paler coloured marble for antique lighting will calm a hectic living or kitchen space. Some of the marble antique table lamps produced in the mid 1900s, with their smooth and reflective surfaces, instantly add a fresh and uncluttered stylishness to wherever you place them.
As with so many antiques it is an appreciation of the time and process which has led to their creation that is part of their enduring appeal. The natural ageing of what was originally limestone with its historic markings and veining and individuality of each piece of stone is what makes marble so desirable.
Marble at Mist Antiques
Marble antiques have a decorative appeal that is timeless and classic - their elegance, durability, texture, variety, and uniqueness make them a popular choice with many interior designers and they feature in many interior themes, in some form or another.
At Mist Antiques there are several antiques made from marble such as garden antiques - for example marble topped bistro tables. These forms of French antique furniture are always popular and work equally well inside or outside. There are also mid-century antiques - such as the distinctive 1970s side table shown in the image which is made entirely from marble – it has simple lines and a beautiful variation in tone and colour that elevates any space it is placed in. Shop the Antique Lighting page for marble antique table lamps and see what else you can discover.