Marble is an attractive natural stone that comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, from classic black and white to rustic brown and gray. It's durable with a timeless beauty that makes it a favorite when it comes to decorating.
That said, marble can get expensive. If you want to add a little marble luxury to your home decor without spending a fortune, consider investing in an accent piece, such as a marble end table that uses less marble but can still make an impact.
Start your search with the Picket House Furnishings Caleb Espresso Marble-Top End Table, which gives you real marble and solid construction at a good price.
Marble mostly comes from Italy, Spain, India and China. Four primary types of marble are used in designing countertops and tables.
Faux marble alternatives are increasingly popular mostly because of how realistic contemporary alternatives look. Faux marble is most frequently made of resin or painted laminate. Resin is scratch-resistant, while laminate is cheaper and lightweight compared to real marble. Other artificial marbles combine natural and human-made materials, such as quartz and cement, adding weight and realism.
Marble is prone to staining and etching, so if something spills, clean it up right away. Don't use acidic cleaners on a marble or faux marble tabletop — no vinegar, bleach or harsh chemicals. To clean marble, dust lightly with a soft cloth or wipe down with warm water. If you want to use soap, stick with mild dish soap. For faux marble, polish periodically to maintain shine.
No two pieces of real marble have the same lines veined throughout. This distinct, intricate veining catches the eye and contrasts well with the stone's primary tone. If you are looking at faux marble, the veining should still look distinct and natural without feeling repetitive. The lines shouldn't be too straight or too thick. The more imperfect they are, the more real they look.
It's a major asset when an end table features storage space. Drawers are convenient for smaller items and don't need to be well-organized, but they are less common. Most end tables are lean and compact, making shelving the preferred storage choice. Shelves offer more space for larger items but are also visible at all times, which means you have to dust and perhaps organize them regularly.
Marble is a heavy stone, and since most marble end tables feature a sleek wood or metal frame, a sturdy base is important. Whether you're looking at a four-legged base or a round pedestal base, you want a piece of furniture that balances well and distributes weight evenly. If a table is too top-heavy with a lightweight base, it's more likely to tip over.
A single authentic or faux marble table costs $50-$600. A set of two or more authentic or faux marble tables cost $70-$700.
A. They usually stand about 25-30 inches. It's the same height as a nightstand but with a narrower frame.
A. Tempered glass is popular in furniture, windows and shower doors. It is chemically treated to be tougher than normal glass. It is strong, and if it does break, it's made to shatter into small pieces instead of dangerous shards.
Picket House Furnishings Caleb Espresso Marble-Top End Table
What you need to know: It's made from a square slab of brown-cream marble with four dark brown solid wood legs. It measures 24 by 22 by 24 inches in size.
What you’ll love: It's well-made, strong and attractive. It features a low wooden shelf for storage. It's easy to assemble.
What you should consider: The wood is beautiful, but it only comes in espresso brown.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
Convenience Concepts SoHo End Table
What you need to know: It's made from a square piece of faux marble with a tempered glass base. It measures 15.75 by 16.5 by 23.75 inches in size.
What you’ll love: The top comes in white or gray. It features a V-shaped lower shelf in matching faux marble. The glass is sturdy.
What you should consider: The listing says assembly isn't required, but in actuality, some assembly is required.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Roland Cream Marble Top End Table
What you need to know: It's made from a round slab of cream-colored marble with a wraparound bronze iron frame. It measures 24 by 24 by 24 inches.
What you’ll love: The iron features a beautiful repeating curvy pattern, and it has four short iron posts for legs. It's sturdy, well-made and easy to assemble.
What you should consider: Since it's round and of average height, it ends up being a little wider than comparable end tables.
Where to buy: Sold by Home Depot
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Emily Verona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
