Natural stone in the bathroom
Natural, aesthetic, robust
Advantages of natural stone in the bathroom
In addition to its appealing aesthetics, a natural stone bathroom can also offer a whole range of practical advantages:
Resistant to moisture
One of the most important properties in the bathroom: natural stone is not very susceptible to moisture due to its open-pored finish, making it well suited for wet rooms.
Resistant to temperature fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations also have no negative effects on natural stone. In the bathroom, the temperature can quickly change between hot and cold, especially after a hot shower and subsequent ventilation, so this property is also useful.
Resistant to damage
In addition, natural stone is very well equipped to withstand potential damage such as abrasion, scratches, or cracks, which can occur with tiles or glass, for example.
Conducts heat
Thanks to its heat-conducting properties, natural stone is the perfect material for bathrooms with underfloor heating.
Slip resistant
When the finish of natural stone is roughened, it becomes slip-resistant. This so-called tumbled natural stone can therefore also be a solution for a barrier-free bathroom.
Easy to maintain
Compared to other natural materials, natural stone also performs well in terms of maintenance. As a rule, this is relatively simple.
Sustainability
Compared to other materials, natural stone can be quarried using little energy. It is also robust and therefore durable. Natural stone can therefore be considered a sustainable material.
Different types of natural stone for the bathroom
There are numerous types of natural stone, each with different properties. The following types of natural stone are particularly popular for bathrooms:
Travertine
Travertine brings a Mediterranean feel to the bathroom. This light-colored limestone mostly comes from near Rome and has a visually appealing warm color. Warm is the keyword when it comes to travertine, as the material conducts heat particularly well. Combined with its soft feel, it is logical that travertine tiles are very popular in bathrooms.
Slate
Slate in the bathroom adds a particularly individual touch, as the rough texture of the stone means that no two slate surfaces are the same. The material is also available in different colors, with dark slate tiles being particularly popular in bathrooms. Although the stone is not found in Finnish saunas, it is often used in steam rooms, where, as in bathrooms at home, it creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Granite
If you like things to be particularly robust, choose granite objects for your bathroom. Available in many colors, this material can usually withstand even heavy use without showing any signs of wear. For example, vanities with granite tops are particularly popular in bathrooms, but this stone also works well in other areas. Some types can even reflect light, creating special aesthetic accents.
Sandstone
Sandstone in the bathroom creates a relaxing, natural feel, and sandstone tiles in particular are a timeless favorite. The reasons for this are obvious, as the material impresses with its versatility and can be combined with almost any style. The stone is also very inexpensive compared to rarer alternatives due to its abundance.
By the way: marble is of course also a natural stone. You can find out what you need to bear in mind with this high-quality stone and how it can be used particularly well in the bathroom in the article on marble bathrooms.
Caring for and cleaning natural stone in the bathroom
Natural stone is also popular in bathrooms because, as mentioned above, it is relatively easy to care for. We recommend first applying a sealant, which will protect the stone from heavy soiling for several years. Clean heavily used items, such as natural stone tiles in the bathroom, by sweeping them regularly and rinsing them with warm water as needed.
Otherwise, all you need to do is wipe it down every now and then—preferably with regular cleaning products that do not contain high levels of acid.
Where natural stone is particularly well suited for bathrooms
Although it is of course possible to have an entire bathroom in a natural stone look, the material is also ideal for combining with other materials. But where does natural stone look particularly good in the bathroom?
Bathroom tiles
Natural stone bathroom tiles are ideal because they can withstand moisture, are slip-resistant, and conduct heat excellently. They also offer a varied, lively look: a natural stone mosaic in the shower, for example, is a real eye-catcher.
Shower
Speaking of showers, natural stone shower trays are also an excellent choice due to the properties mentioned above. If aesthetics are your main concern, there are also excellent alternatives such as Stonetto.
Sink area
In addition to tiles, this material is also frequently found in sink areas. This is because a natural stone sink in the bathroom adds a stylish yet rustic touch. Countertop sinks are particularly popular. However, an entire natural stone vanity, e.g., made of granite, also creates an aesthetic highlight.
Accessories
If you prefer a more subtle touch, you could choose a soap dispenser made of natural stone. Small accents like this add variety and create a lively look.
Bathtub
Less subtle, but undoubtedly impressive, is the complete natural stone bathtub. It creates the ultimate spa feeling, like bathing in a hot spring surrounded by nature.
Natural stone combined with other materials
Even though it looks great on its own, it's easy to find ideas for combining natural stone in the bathroom. This is because the natural material is very versatile. The following combinations are particularly harmonious:
Wood
Another natural material offers an excellent solution for a successful combination in the bathroom. Natural stone and wood almost always look good together. Paired with a few bathroom plants, you can create a thoroughly natural look—a true oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Precious metal (look)
Natural stone also works very well in bathrooms with precious metals or objects with a precious metal look. Copper or bronze tones for faucets, together with a stone Countertop sink, create one of the most fashionable and stylish looks in the bathroom.
Tip: Not only natural stone, but also entire bathrooms with a natural look are becoming increasingly popular. Find out everything you need to know about natural bathrooms here.
