Elevated and visually striking, marble has truly become the pillar of luxurious and timeless interiors, especially in kitchen design. But what about marble sinks?
There's something so timeless about them, yet in a recent Zillow 2026 trends report that highlights what buyers are looking for (and not looking for) in new homes, it was noted that the desire for marble sinks is in decline due to their high-maintenance nature. But does this really mean they are on the outs, or is it still a look people love?
Are Marble Sinks Going Out of Style?
The new Zillow report said that 'marble sinks, down 15%, are also losing ground. While undeniably beautiful, marble sinks are high-maintenance and prone to staining, making them less practical for busy households.'
And while it's understandable that people might be gravitating away from the expense and maintenance of a marble sink, I'm not entirely convinced they are going out of style. And it turns out, designers agree.
'Marble sinks remain timeless in style. Their natural veining and organic movement bring an effortless sense of elegance that few materials can replicate,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.
'Marble has a quiet luxury that feels both classic and contemporary, depending on how it’s paired with surrounding finishes. It’s a design choice that speaks to craftsmanship and the beauty of natural materials, which never truly go out of fashion.'
It's the timelessness of marble that makes it eternally in style, whether it's kitchen countertops or a striking sink design. It stands the test of time in a way that's incomparable to any other material.
'I think marble is one of the most timeless materials you can use, and because of that, almost anything made from it will stand the test of time and always look beautiful. Marble sinks are no exception,' says Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox.
'While they’ve definitely had a moment over the past five years or so, I don’t see them looking dated anytime soon. Whether you craft a rectangular sink from marble, like I did in my kitchen, or use an antique reclaimed Turkish bathhouse sink, like the ones from Olive Ateliers, marble adds a depth of texture you simply can’t get from a traditional porcelain sink,' he explains.
And if you are going to believe anyone about the beauty and timeless appeal of a marble sink, it's the people who have and use them daily. And Drew Michael Scott isn't the only one who chose a marble design for their kitchen and has zero regrets.
'The virtues of marble sinks are, in my opinion, endless. Pure natural beauty that is ageless and practical beyond measure. A contradictory statement, I imagine, as there are two types of people in the world, those that love age, patina, history, and elegance, and those that prefer something more reliably neat and tidy and practical,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens.
'I am in the first camp and cannot think of anything more beautiful than an aged marble sink. I have one in my kitchen, and it has so far not got a scratch or dent or mark, so as far as I am concerned, they are also practical, but I do like things to be a little faded in their glamour,' she explains.
'I got my marble sink on a whim. I never knew how much joy it would bring me and how little I would worry about it. It turned out to be the most important and pivotal decision in my kitchen, and matched with a marble chequered floor, it is my pride and joy!'
How to Care for a Marble Sink
One of the reasons Zillow reported the decline in marble sinks is due to their high maintenance and stain-prone properties. There's no denying that it is a more porous, fragile stone, but there are plenty of ways you can look after a marble sink.
'Marble is a natural material that rewards care and attention. To maintain its beauty, it’s important to seal the surface regularly and avoid harsh cleaners that can etch or dull the finish,' explains Marie.
'I recommend wiping spills quickly, especially from acidic substances like citrus or wine. With gentle maintenance, marble develops a lovely patina that tells the story of a well-loved home,' she adds.
The type of marble you choose is also important, as they have different natures and levels of care. 'I don’t mind if my house looks a little lived-in, so I’m not too finicky about keeping everything in perfect condition. I wish I had a great sealer recommendation, but to be honest, in the three years I’ve had my sink, I haven’t resealed it since my fabricator did after installation,' Drew Michael Scott notes.
'That said, I think two things have really helped my sink age gracefully. First, the type of marble I chose, Calacatta Viola, has lots of natural variation, so any stains blend right into the veining and aren’t very noticeable,' he explains.
'Second, my installer used a type of sealer called an ager, which soaks into the marble, enhances the color, and adds a bit of protection. It slightly darkens the surface, which actually helps prevent new stains from setting in. This has definitely helped my countertops and sink hold up to everyday wear and tear.'
It's also worth considering the features you add to a marble sink, and how they can compromise the stone's structure and stability.
'Avoid installing a waste disposal, which can increase the risk of staining from food waste,' says Tom Wicksteed, co-owner and director at 202 Design. 'Routine cleaning with gentle, pH-neutral products will help maintain the surface, but some marks over time are inevitable – and part of marble’s natural character.'
What Sink Material Can You Choose Instead?
Even though marble sinks are a look that's here to stay, they aren't for everyone. The good news, though, is that there are plenty of other kitchen sink materials and styles that remain timeless, but are usually more affordable and durable.
'There’s a reason porcelain sinks are the standard! They’re affordable, easy to install, low-maintenance, and simple to clean. But they can also be a little boring and sometimes look generic,' says Drew Michael Scott.
'I’ve seen porcelain sinks in colors other than white, and those can be really beautiful. I know Kohler has a sage green option that’s so unique and eye-catching. That would be my top suggestion for my clean freaks who are ready to move on from plain white sinks,' he suggests as a more exciting alternative.
He continues: 'If you’re looking for something different, a concrete sink, an enameled cast iron sink, or a stainless steel sink are great alternatives to porcelain that aren’t too difficult to maintain.'
If you love the look of marble, but simply can't keep up with the maintenance of a sink in the material, there are plenty of other ways you can introduce that same sense of luxury while still considering your functional needs.
'Even if marble isn’t suitable for the main sink, it can still be incorporated strategically. A marble sink for a front-of-house kitchen or a prep sink on an island allows you to enjoy its visual impact without compromising practicality. This approach lets you retain the sense of a high-end, considered finish while keeping the most-used areas more resilient,' explains Tom.
'If a marble sink stresses you out, do a beautiful marble countertop with a porcelain sink in a color more tonal with the countertops! Any other material, like copper or brass, is going to give you just as much or more trouble than marble will,' Drew Michael Scott adds.
Designers have called it – marble sinks are here to stay. They're a timeless choice, and while they do not suit everybody's lifestyle, they will always be in style and have a place in kitchen design. And it's all thanks to the elegant beauty of this natural stone.
'The appeal of marble sinks lies in their individuality and sophistication. No two slabs are the same, which means each sink becomes a one-of-a-kind statement piece,' says Marie Flanigan. 'The stone’s subtle color variations and tactile quality elevate even the simplest spaces. It’s a material that instantly adds warmth and depth – refined yet inviting.'
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