Marble, Stone and Glass Tabletops: Care and Choosing
Marble, stone and glass tabletops each need a different care approach, but the rules are straightforward once you know the material. Artistica produces glass-top cocktail tables available through Sutter & Vale that suit a range of rooms and proportions. Understanding your surface keeps it looking right for years.
What Makes Glass Tabletops Different to Care For?
Glass is the most forgiving of the three surfaces for daily cleaning. A soft microfiber cloth and a streak-free glass cleaner handle most marks. Avoid abrasive pads; they scratch flat polished and beveled edges alike.
A few practical points:
- Use coasters and felt pads under objects with rough bases
- Lift items rather than sliding them across the surface
- Inspect polished and beveled edges periodically for chips; edge damage spreads if ignored
- Tempered glass, such as the 1-inch beveled top on the Colette Oval Cocktail Table, is stronger than standard glass but still benefits from the same care
What Are the Sizing Rules for a Glass Cocktail Table?
The standard guideline is to leave 12 to 18 inches between the table edge and the front of the sofa. Coffee table height typically falls between 16 and 18 inches, aligning with or sitting just below seat cushion height.
| Table | Width | Depth | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ellipse Rectangular | 54" | 32" | 17" |
| Byron Rectangular | 60" | 34" | 17.5" |
| Bruno Rectangular | 48" | 36" | 18" |
| Claret Rectangular | 54" | 30" | 18" |
| Claret Round | 42" dia. | 42" dia. | 18" |
Round and oval shapes read smaller visually than their dimensions suggest, which makes them useful in rooms where traffic flow is tight.
How Do You Choose Between Flat Polished and Beveled Glass?
Flat polished edges read cleaner and more minimal. Beveled edges catch light at the perimeter and add visual weight to the top without changing the profile from above. The choice is largely aesthetic: flat polish suits spare, architectural rooms; a bevel adds detail in rooms with more layering.
The Per Se Round Cocktail Table uses a flat polished edge and pairs it with an inset glass shelf, which doubles surface area without adding footprint. The same logic applies across the wider Artistica coffee table collection.
How Do You Care for Marble and Natural Stone?
Glass cleaners are generally safe on glass but can strip sealants on marble and natural stone. Use a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for stone on those surfaces, and blot spills immediately rather than wiping, which spreads them. Acidic liquids, including citrus juice and wine, etch marble quickly if left to sit.
Sealing is the other key step. Most marble and stone tabletops benefit from resealing once a year under normal household use. Test the current seal by placing a few drops of water on the surface; if the water soaks in rather than beading, it is time to reseal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use the same cleaner on marble, stone and glass?
No. Glass cleaners are generally safe on glass but can strip sealants on marble and natural stone. Use a pH-neutral cleaner made for stone on marble and unsealed stone surfaces, and keep glass cleaners to glass only.
How often should you seal a marble or stone tabletop?
Most marble and natural stone tabletops benefit from resealing once a year under normal household use. Test the current seal by placing a few drops of water on the surface; if the water soaks in rather than beading, it is time to reseal.
Does inset glass in a shelf or lower tier need different care?
The glass itself needs the same cleaning approach. What changes is access: lower shelves collect dust faster and are harder to wipe thoroughly. A long-handled microfiber duster used weekly keeps the area clear between deeper cleans.
The Sutter & Vale Team
