When most people hear “quartz,” they picture a kitchen countertop. But if you look closely at modern homes, offices, and hotels, you’ll notice quartz showing up in a lot more places than that. Interior designers have started using it almost everywhere — walls, floors, tables, even staircases.
This guide explains, in simple terms, 8 of the most popular ways quartz is being used in interior design today, and why designers keep choosing it over other materials.
Why Designers Like Using Quartz Beyond Countertops
Quartz has a few qualities that make it useful far beyond the kitchen. It is engineered, which means it comes in large, consistent slabs with predictable colors and patterns. It is also non-porous, scratch-resistant, and does not need sealing like natural stone does. For a designer, that combination means fewer surprises and more design freedom — the same material can move from a kitchen counter to a bathroom wall to a lobby floor without changing how it looks or performs.
8 Ways Designers Are Using Quartz in Interior Design
1. Accent Walls and Wall Cladding
Instead of paint or wallpaper, some designers now use large quartz panels to cover an entire wall. This is common in living rooms and hotel lobbies, where a bold, marble-look quartz wall becomes the main visual feature of the room. Because the slabs are large, there are very few visible joints, which gives the wall a clean, seamless look.
2. Kitchen and Bathroom Backsplashes
A backsplash is the wall area right behind a sink or stove. Many homeowners now match their countertop and backsplash using the same quartz slab. This creates a smooth, connected look and also makes the wall easy to wipe clean, since quartz does not absorb stains or moisture the way tile grout can.
3. Flooring
Quartz is increasingly used as a flooring material in both homes and commercial spaces. It holds up well to heavy foot traffic and does not scratch or stain easily, which is why you’ll often see it in hotel lobbies, retail stores, and high-traffic hallways, not just kitchens.
4. Furniture Tops
Dining tables, coffee tables, and side tables made with quartz tops are becoming popular in modern interior design. Because quartz is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, it works well for furniture that gets used every day, while still giving a polished, high-end look.
5. Bathroom Vanities and Shower Walls
Bathrooms deal with constant moisture, so non-porous materials matter a lot here. Quartz is used for vanity tops, and increasingly for entire shower wall panels, because it resists water damage and does not develop mold or mildew in the grout lines the way tile can.
6. Fireplace Surrounds
The area around a fireplace needs to handle heat and look good at the same time. Designers use quartz slabs to frame fireplaces because it gives a clean, modern look while standing up to the everyday heat exposure from normal fireplace use.
7. Staircases and Steps
In some high-end homes and commercial buildings, quartz is used to clad staircases — covering the steps and sometimes the side panels. This creates a strong visual statement and holds up well under repeated foot traffic, which is exactly what a staircase needs.
8. Commercial Reception Desks and Retail Counters
Walk into a modern hotel, office lobby, or retail store, and there’s a good chance the reception desk or checkout counter is topped with quartz. Businesses like it because it looks premium, is easy to keep clean throughout a busy day, and holds up under constant use by staff and customers.
What to Keep in Mind Before Using Quartz in These Ways
- Always check the slab thickness and finish recommended for the specific use — a wall panel and a countertop are not always fabricated the same way
- Ask your fabricator about seam placement in advance, especially for large walls, floors, or staircases
- Confirm the manufacturer’s certifications, especially for food-contact and indoor air-quality use in kitchens and bathrooms
- For flooring, ask specifically about slip resistance, since not every finish is suitable for floors
- Get a written installation plan from a certified fabricator, since poor installation is one of the most common causes of problems, regardless of how good the material is
A Quick Word on Experience
Using quartz outside of countertops is still a fairly specialized part of interior design, so it helps to work with a manufacturer who has real, tested experience across different applications — not just kitchens. Manufacturers with a long track record, multiple independent certifications, and a wide product range are generally better positioned to guide these more unusual, design-forward uses of quartz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can quartz be used on walls, not just countertops?
Yes. Quartz is increasingly used for wall cladding and accent walls because large slabs create a clean, nearly seamless look, and the surface is easy to maintain.
Is quartz good for flooring?
Quartz can be used for flooring and holds up well to heavy foot traffic. It’s important to check the finish for slip resistance, especially in commercial spaces or bathrooms.
Can quartz be used around a fireplace?
Yes, quartz is commonly used for fireplace surrounds because it looks modern and handles the everyday heat exposure from normal fireplace use well.
Is quartz suitable for bathroom walls and showers?
Yes. Because quartz is non-porous, it resists moisture damage and does not develop mold in grout lines the way tile can, which makes it a popular choice for shower walls.
Why do businesses use quartz for reception desks and counters?
Businesses choose quartz for reception desks and counters because it looks premium, is easy to clean throughout the day, and holds up well under constant daily use.
Final Thoughts
Quartz has moved far beyond the kitchen countertop. From accent walls to staircases to furniture, designers are using it because it combines a high-end look with real, everyday durability. If you’re considering quartz for one of these less common uses, talk to your manufacturer about the right slab thickness, finish, and fabrication approach for that specific application — the material is versatile, but getting the details right still matters.
