The Popular Bathroom Feature That's Actually A Huge Mistake (& What To Do Instead)

When remodeling a bathroom, your first instinct might be to select a glossy white cultured marble countertop, especially in a small bathroom, since it can open up the space. Cultured marble isn't real marble, but it does a good job of mimicking the look. However, this choice can actually be a huge mistake, as white cultured marble tends to highlight dust and any other debris that lands on the surface. Despite this drawback, glossy white cultured marble still holds a solid reputation thanks to its ability to make bathrooms feel bigger and brighter, its versatility (it even works in kitchens!), and its appeal as a cheaper alternative to real marble.

For instance, a cultured marble vanity and sink from Home Depot is nearly $100 cheaper than a similar-sized marble vanity with a ceramic sink. The plain yet polished look of white cultured marble also pairs well with earthy tones like gray, green, or the ever-popular powder blue, helping those colors stand out. It can create a luxe vibe and suits an all-white bathroom, though they're going out of style. Plus, the glossy surface coupled with the way it reflects the vanity lights might be yet another feature that draws you in.

Simply put, white glossy cultured marble countertops look great and can elevate a bathroom, but they can quickly become a headache when it comes to cleaning. And it's not really about cultured marble vs. genuine marble, either. The real issue lies with any all-white, high-gloss vanity. Let's get into the downsides of these countertops, and some alternatives you might want to consider instead.

White cultured marble can certainly deliver a clean, elegant, minimalist look, but beware: that flawless appearance is short-lived. Anything and everything that lands on your white glossy countertop will show — hair, soap suds, makeup, dust, toothpaste, you name it. While white cultured marble is more susceptible to scratches than natural marble, it's still considered a durable material overall. That said, the real issue lies with the glossy white finish. 

Debris will appear almost immediately after installation, meaning you'll either need to get comfortable with this or commit to regular cleaning to keep it spotless. For some, that's no problem. But for those with busy schedules, keeping it clean can quickly become a major hassle, if not completely unmanageable when time is tight. Regular cleanings are also necessary to maintain that attractive sheen your white glossy vanity displays, and that brings up yet another concern — cleaning products. Some abrasive ones can leave your flawless cultured marble (and other glossy white materials like ceramic) stained over time. 

Both cultured and natural marble are vulnerable to damage from products like nail polish remover or acidic cleaners, including this versatile DIY vinegar and rubbing alcohol cleaner. These ingredients can wear down the protective layer on top of the cultured marble and eventually seep into the stone itself (since cultured marble is made from crushed marble, among other materials), weakening it and making it more prone to staining. So, how do you get around this obstacle if you're aiming for a bright white countertop in your bathroom? Don't worry, we've got some alternatives.

White vanity countertops, be it ceramic or cultured marble, are prone to showing off dust and other debris collecting in your bathroom rather than hiding it. So, if you don't want a vanity you'll have to wipe down often, you can still achieve that wholesome white look. An alternative to an all-white countertop is to opt for something like a white quartz with subtle veining, Courtney Batten, principal designer at Paige Studio in Dallas, shared with Apartment Therapy. 

"If you love the look of white but worry about the visible mess, consider going with a white quartz that is made to look like marble or has subtle veining," Batten explained. "That little bit of variation will go a long way in softening smudges in between cleans and keeping the surface visually forgiving while still giving you that timeless, clean look." Simply put, adding just a small touch of design into your countertop will help hide the little bit of dust that can't be avoided in the bathroom. Another suggestion is to opt for a matte finish over a glossy one.

Unbeknownst to many, a matte or even honed finish can add warmth to the space and help hide those imperfections. Unlike glossy surfaces, matte, actually absorbs the light and gives the room a more calming feel. So, the biggest takeaway here: avoid high-gloss white countertops in the bathroom and choose something less shiny and pure, like a white marble with veining or a countertop that mimics the look of marble, or even a light beige quartz or granite that will be much more forgiving to debris and soap scum.