7 Ideas for Using Marble Penny Tile in Your Custom Home

June 19, 2025

Marble penny tile is a versatile material that can add a little color, light, beauty, and flair to any room. As with any material, it all depends on how and where you use it. Here’s what to know about marble penny tile and some ideas for using marble penny tile in your custom home to inspire you:

What is Marble Penny Tile?

Marble penny tile, or round penny marble tile, is a round mosaic tile. Although penny tile can be made with other materials, it is usually natural marble. Typically, round penny tiles are cut into 1-inch diameters, but they are available in other sizes.

In general, marble is a timeless material that can help create an elegant and classic look. Marble penny tile can often be found on walls, on floors, as backsplashes, and more. Different types of marble can be used, and there are a lot of options available.

When it comes to Italian marbles, Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuary (or Statuario) are the ones most readily available in the United States. Although they are similar in that they are quarried from Carrara, Italy, they do have differences in color variations and veining patterns.

Carrara Marble

Carrara marble is named for Carrara, Italy, where it originates. Although all of these Italian marbles come from the Carrara region, this type is the most common Italian marble and is more widely found in that region. As the more widely available marble option, this also means it is priced lower than Calacatta or Statuary.

Carrara marble features a soft and feathery veining pattern. The veining color is gray, while the background is light gray or blue-gray. Compared to Calacatta and Statuary, Carrara vein patterns are smaller and subtler. Although there is a contrast between the background and veining in Carrara marble, it is not necessarily as large as the other Italian marbles often are.

Calacatta Marble

Calacatta marble is also quarried in Carrara, Italy. However, it is rarer than Carrara, which also makes it more expensive. Calacatta is known for creating a stunning contrast and making more of a statement. The background is usually bright white, and there is more color variation in the veining than with Carrara or Statuary marble.

Veining patterns in Calacatta marble are thick, dramatic, and stand out, especially against the bright white background. Calacatta is known for having more dramatic veining patterns than Carrara and Statuary marble. Color variations in the veins show up in golds, browns, and beiges, as well as grays, including darker grays like charcoal. Although all of these Italian marbles offer a classic, elegant look, Calacatta is prized for adding an extra touch of luxury to an already luxurious material.

Statuary Marble

Also coming from the Carrara region is Statuary marble. It is sometimes also called Statuario marble and gets its name because it was often used in marble statues. Similar to Calacatta, it features a bright white background.

However, there is not as much color variation in the veining. Statuary marble tends to have dark gray veining, which creates a higher-contrast look than Carrara and often Calacatta as well. Statuary marble tends to be more expensive than Carrara and less expensive than Calacatta.

7 Ideas For Using Marble Penny Tile in Your Custom Home

Each piece of marble is unique, so it’s important to look at the actual slabs if you have a particular style or color variation in mind. No matter which type of marble you choose, you’ll be able to benefit from that classic, timeless, and elegant marble look and feel. Plus, you can add even more visual interest by opting for marble penny tile, also called round penny marble tile. Here are a few ideas for using marble penny tile in your custom home:

1. Use it as a backsplash.
2. Wrap a kitchen island.
3. Create an accent wall.
4. Put it in the shower.
5. Consider it for the floor.
6. Incorporate it in a fireplace surround.
7. Think about other decorative accents.

1. Use it as a Backsplash

Marble penny tile is a great option for a backsplash. It works well for both bathroom and kitchen backsplash ideas. It would also be a good fit as a backsplash in a laundry room. Marble is a customizable material, and tile is a versatile format. Penny tile can be used to create a simpler backsplash with some visual texture and variety.

It can also be used to create a more complex pattern or statement piece to make the backsplash a focal point. You can even combine penny tiles with other tile shapes and sizes, or even mix and match them with other materials for an even more interesting look. Materials, colors, patterns, and more are all things to consider when choosing a kitchen backsplash.

2. Wrap a Kitchen Island

One of the ideas for using marble penny tile in your custom home is to wrap a kitchen island or peninsula base with it. If you’re opting for a bathroom island in your bathroom design, this idea would work there as well. Not only does this add an interesting look and texture, but it is also not as common as floors or walls.

So, although it can be subtle, it is often a surprising and interesting design detail. Plus, it can be a great way to elevate and enhance your kitchen island or peninsula, either via subtle touches or with bolder choices that make a statement. It can also be a great idea for kitchen islands with seating, especially split-level islands that already have a perfect place to feature tile accents.

3. Create an Accent Wall

Penny tile offers a lot of opportunities and can work well for several accent wall ideas. Using marble penny tile adds an extra touch of elegance and luxury. You can use it for a smaller accent on a wall, an entire wall, mix it with other materials, and more to create the look you want.

Also, provided it’s sealed properly, you can even use it in high-moisture areas, like the bathroom. Smaller accent walls behind a vanity or shower can elevate the look and feel of your bathroom design.

4. Put it in the Shower

With the right sealing to make it waterproof, you can use marble penny tile in the shower to create an interesting look. A custom waterfall tile in a walk-in shower is a popular choice. Marble penny tile can add a subtle texture and pattern to shower walls.

You can also use penny tile on the shower floor. Although slabs of marble tend to be quite slippery when they get wet, marble penny tile does add a texture for some slip-resistance. If this is the look you want, you still want to work with your builder to install and seal it in a way that makes it work for a shower floor without adding extra slip risks.

5. Consider it for the Floor

One of the popular ideas for using marble penny tile is to use it on the floor. Properly sealed, it can create a durable and visually interesting floor. In this custom home on Hunters Path, lilac-honed marble penny tile was used for the floor of a powder room, while the wallpaper features lavender florals that coordinate with it. You’re also not limited to the classic bathroom flooring.

Marble penny tiles can work well as flooring options in other areas as well, or even incorporated with other tiles or flooring materials to create an even more interesting flooring pattern. In addition to kitchens, laundry rooms, and other areas, marble penny tile can be a great option in entryways or mudrooms to further highlight the entryway, define a drop zone, and more.

6. Incorporate it in a Fireplace Surround

Because marble penny tile can be subtle or dramatic depending on your choices, it can work well in a lot of different areas. If you’re exploring fireplace options for your custom home design, consider adding a modern twist to your fireplace surround by adding marble penny tile.

Not only does the penny tile add some interesting visual texture, but you can also get creative with how you incorporate it and play with different ideas for fireplace decor. This can be a great option for a fireplace in a great room, whether you want to make it a focal point or add a little extra to enhance the overall atmosphere.

7. Think About Other Decorative Accents

In addition to larger elements, like walls and floors, marble penny tiles can also be used to create decorative accents in other areas. They can be used to create a border on walls or floors. If you’re including built-in shower niches or built-in open shelves, marble penny tile can be a great way to highlight these areas.

If you’re including a drink station in your kitchen or designing a home bar, marble penny tile can be used to add small accents or used with other materials to create a wet bar backsplash or highlight an area. You can even use penny tile to spell out a word or phrase on the floor, walls, or counter.

It can even be used to create custom furniture or decor, or to add enhancements to items you already have. Marble penny tile can be a great option for decor, like trays. It can also make a great tabletop. Marble penny tile can even be used as a headboard idea to add interesting visual detail.

Design and Build the Custom Home You Want With CHG

These are just a few ideas for using marble penny tile in your custom home. There are a lot of details to work through when designing a custom home. Working with an experienced custom home builder, especially one with an in-house design/build process, can make it much easier.

Not only will you get design options personalized to your style and tastes, but you can also make sure you end up with the home you want and need. If you’re ready to get started on your own custom home in Central Pennsylvania or Northeastern Maryland, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!