Natural stone in the bathroom – a feeling of warmth and eternity
A bathroom that exudes consistency
Natural stone is an incomparable material that was created naturally over millions of years. Through heat, pressure and the effects of weather, minerals have been transformed into a variety of rocks that reflect the eternity of nature and nature’s ingenuity. Magma – a molten and semi-molten rock mixture found under the surface of the Earth that forms the up to 35 kilometre thick crust – is just as ingenious.
There is an unlimited choice of stoneware, as each stone is unique. Geologists put natural stone into the following categories:
Igneous rock: Made deep under the Earth’s surface and may contain large crystals. Granite and porphyry are two examples of this kind of rock with large grains.
Metamorphic rock: High pressure and extreme temperatures can transform the minerals from old rocks. So silica sand can turn into quartzite and limestone into marble.
Sedimentary rock: Through erosion, the existing rock becomes a new material, for example lime sandstone.
Stone has been enjoying increasing popularity in the kitchen and bathroom for some time. Its unique look is partially responsible for this, as it subtly dominates the room’s ambiance and is great for pairing with other materials. But stone also has many other benefits:
The open pores on the surface absorb moisture, so they can regulate the indoor climate and balance out fluctuating temperatures.
Natural stone is a durable, robust and abrasion-proof material that only experiences minimal wear and tear over decades.
It doesn’t take a lot of energy to extract it, so it is considered an eco-friendly material.
Surfaces made of natural stone require very little maintenance.
Stone is an excellent heat conductor, making it the perfect material for bathrooms with underfloor heating.
The surface can be treated to become slip-resistant by pounding or brushing it.
Allow us to present a few choice stone materials here:
Travertine: large pores with Mediterranean flair
Travertine is a sedimentary rock that frequently forms in hot springs. This highly porous stone can be predominantly found in Tivoli in the Italian region of Latium, which surrounds Rome. When various sedimentary layers deposited over thousands of years form travertine, several cavities are created, which can store heat. The large pores can also quickly absorb moisture, which also evaporates again just as quickly.
The warm sandy and earthy colours will give your bathroom a light and friendly vibe. Travertine looks particularly impressive as flooring and wall panels, but it can also be easily matched with plain-coloured tiles. A wash basin made of travertine can form a visual highlight. Black and white go great with travertine. Combining it with turquoise and azure blue will create a very Mediterranean look.
Granite, a symbol of timeless elegance
Granite comes in many colours, from pink to black to light grey. This tough, robust rock is made up of feldspar, mica and quartz. Get the angle right, and certain types of granite will reflect the light like rhinestones. There’s also a reason why people say ‘like biting on granite’: Because this stone can withstand stresses without a visible trace.
Granite floor tiles are usually flamed or brushed to give them an anti-slip surface. Smoothly polished as wall tiles or a wash basin unit, granite looks timelessly elegant. Thanks to the huge variety of colours and often intricate patterns, you can put together unusual combinations with ceramic tiles or wood to create a classic vibe.
Sandstone for a relaxed, natural feeling
Sandstone was once seen as a relatively uniform material in earthy tones, from yellow to brown and light grey. The variety of colours sandstone now comes in has multiplied thanks to international imports. These days, you can get this long-lasting natural stone for your bathroom in shades of red and green as well as with interesting grains that are sometimes even reminiscent of wood.
With this in mind, sandstone is versatile and can now be used for all style preferences: in flooring, on walls, as a wash basin unit or bench. This stone is common, so its price point is lower than that of granite or marble, which have both been considered the epitome of luxury in the bathroom as far back as the ancient world. Specialists even recommend leaving the natural surface as it is, rather than treating it. This enables the natural texture of the sandstone to come into its own.
