Limestone, the Lighter Natural Stone

Natural stone adds an air of luxury to any room in any home, but one downside is that it often looks as heavy and cold as it feels. For that high-end look without the added weight and severity of many stones, try a lighter, warmer alternative: limestone.

Limestone is a warm-toned, neutral stone with a soft, uniform appearance that makes it desirable to those who love natural stone without the heaviness. This stone is porous, which means that it must be sealed to avoid stains but adds depth and character. It’s also a more affordable option than many other stones like marble, granite, and soapstone.

Limestone is a versatile material. Though it may conjure visions of patios and exteriors – and it is a popular outdoor material – it’s right at home in traditional and modern decor schemes throughout the home.

Like other stones, it’s a great choice for fireplace surrounds:

Living Room by 3 Fold Design Studio
Living Room by Claudia Leccacorvi
Living Room by Tara Bussema
With proper sealing and maintenance, it can be used in kitchens and bathrooms, but due to its porous surface, limestone is a more delicate material and is susceptible to patina:
Bathroom by Griffin Enright Architects
WS Bath Collection Hand-Carved Stone Bathtub
Bathroom by Schippmann Design
Kitchen by Connelly Construction, LLC
WS Bath Collection Above-Counter Stone Washbasin
Bathroom by Higgins Architects
Kitchen by valerie pasquiou interiors + design, inc

Limestone is an excellent choice for feature walls or large-scale applications, striking but not overwhelming:

Kitchen by Walker Warner Architects
Bedroom by Northworks Architects and Planners
Dining Room by Tweak Your Space
Dining Room by JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction
Staircase by Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture
And, of course, it’s still a great choice for outdoor use. It deflects heat and is durable and easy to clean:
Patio by Maiden Stone Inc.
Patio by Maiden Stone Inc.
Exterior by Meier Custom Built Homes, LLC
Porch by Black + Vernooy Architects
Tell us about your favorite stone!
yael