The Le Creuset Lapis and Marseille colors offer two distinct takes on classic blue, with Lapis being a vibrant, deep jewel-toned blue and Marseille serving as a softer, more muted blue with gray undertones. Lapis is a bold statement piece designed to stand out, while Marseille provides a timeless, coastal-inspired elegance that blends into a variety of kitchen styles.
Here’s everything you need to know to pick the right blue from Le Creuset for your kitchen.
Le Creuset Lapis
Le Creuset's Lapis is a rich and saturated deep blue that acts as a bold focal point. This jewel-toned shade is eye-catching and modern, designed for home chefs who see their cookware as functional art and want to add a vibrant pop of color to their stovetop or dining table.
- What it is: A deep, vibrant, and jewel-toned blue color available across Le Creuset's range of enameled cast iron cookware.
- Key features: Rich, saturated color with a high-gloss finish that makes it stand out. It’s part of the brand's exploration of more intense, contemporary hues.
- Price: The cost is identical to other standard colors, with a 5.5-quart Dutch oven costing approximately $350.
- Style: Bold, modern, and eclectic. It serves as a statement piece rather than a neutral accent.
- Materials/Construction: Features the brand's signature high-quality enameled cast iron, known for exceptional heat distribution and retention, backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s a color choice, not a material difference.
- Pros: A beautiful and unique shade of blue that stands out. Adds energy and personality to a kitchen. Pairs well with modern stainless steel appliances and crisp white backsplashes.
- Cons: Less versatile than muted colors, might clash with more traditional or earthy kitchen palettes. Being a more trend-forward color, it may not feel as timeless as a classic shade.
Lapis is ideal for home cooks who love bold colors and want their cookware to be a conversation starter in a modern or eclectic kitchen.
Shop this product: williams-sonoma.com/products/le-creuset-signature-round-dutch-oven/
Le Creuset Marseille
Inspired by the classic hues of the French Riviera, Marseille is a muted, soft blue with distinct gray undertones. This color exudes a calm, coastal elegance that is both sophisticated and incredibly versatile, blending seamlessly into a wide range of kitchen decors without overpowering the space.
- What it is: A soft, calming blue with gray undertones for Le Creuset's enameled cast iron cookware.
- Key features: Subdued and gentle color inspired by Mediterranean tones. It offers a subtle gradient from a richer blue at the base to a lighter hue at the top.
- Price: Priced the same as Lapis and other standard colors in the Le Creuset collection.
- Style: Coastal, contemporary, minimalist, and traditional. Its understated nature makes it extremely versatile.
- Materials/Construction: Made with the same durable enameled cast iron as all Le Creuset cookware, providing superior cooking performance and longevity.
- Pros: Extremely versatile and pairs well with many decor styles, including neutral, white, or wood-toned kitchens. Timeless appeal that won't feel dated. Calming and sophisticated aesthetic.
- Cons: Lacks the "wow" factor of a more vibrant color. May appear too muted or understated for those seeking a bold look.
The Marseille color is for anyone who prefers a timeless, subtle color that adds a touch of elegant charm to their kitchen without making a loud statement.
Shop this product: lecreuset.com/signature-round-dutch-oven/
Lapis vs. Marseille Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
The most significant difference between Lapis and Marseille is their style and visual impact. Lapis is for making a statement. It's a deep, saturated blue that demands attention and works beautifully in modern, minimalist kitchens where it can serve as a single, powerful pop of color. Its jewel-toned vibrancy feels energetic and contemporary.
Marseille, in contrast, is all about understated elegance. Its softer, grayed-out blue creates a feeling of calm and sophistication. This makes it a perfect fit for a wider range of aesthetics, from coastal-inspired kitchens with light wood tones to traditional spaces with classic white cabinetry. It complements its surroundings rather than dominating them.
Materials & Construction
There is no difference in quality, materials, or construction between cookware in the Lapis and Marseille colors. Both are made from Le Creuset's legendary enameled cast iron, known for its even heating and superior heat retention. Both feature a durable, non-reactive enamel finish that resists chipping and staining and are protected by Le Creuset's lifetime warranty. Your choice between them should be based entirely on aesthetic preference.
Price & Value
Lapis and Marseille are standard colors in the Le Creuset lineup, meaning there is no price difference between them for comparable items. A 5.5-quart Dutch oven in either shade will cost the same. The value comes down to which color you will love seeing in your kitchen for years to come. Marseille may offer slightly more long-term value in terms of versatility, as it's less likely to clash with future redecorating efforts.
Who Each One Works Best For
Lapis is the better choice for the adventurous home cook who loves bold, modern design. If you want your cookware to double as a piece of functional art and become the focal point of your stovetop, Lapis delivers that vibrant energy. It's perfect for eclectic, contemporary, or minimalist kitchens that could use a strong dose of color.
Marseille is ideal for those who favor a timeless, more classic approach. If you appreciate subtlety and want a color that enhances your kitchen's calming and elegant atmosphere, Marseille is a perfect fit. It is exceptionally well-suited for coastal, traditional, farmhouse, or Scandinavian-inspired designs where a gentle, versatile hue is preferred.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Le Creuset Lapis and Marseille are beautiful and high-performing choices, but they are designed for very different tastes and kitchen styles.
Choose Lapis if:
- You want your cookware to make a bold, modern statement.
- You love deep, saturated jewel tones.
- Your kitchen has a contemporary, minimalist, or eclectic decor style.
- You enjoy having a vibrant pop of color as a focal point.
Choose Marseille if:
- You prefer calm, understated, and elegant colors.
- Your kitchen has a coastal, traditional, or farmhouse aesthetic.
- You want a versatile shade that will blend seamlessly with existing decor.
- You value a timeless look that will never feel dated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Le Creuset Lapis and Marseille?
The main difference is color vibrancy and tone. Lapis is a deep, saturated, jewel-toned blue that is bold and modern. Marseille is a soft, muted blue with visible gray undertones, creating a calming, coastal, and more traditional look.
Is Le Creuset Lapis a true blue?
Yes, Lapis is a true, rich blue. It leans towards a navy or dark sapphire hue and is highly saturated, without the gray or green undertones seen in some other Le Creuset blues.
Is Le Creuset Marseille more blue or gray?
Marseille is primarily a blue, but its defining characteristic is a significant gray undertone that gives it a muted, sophisticated, and slightly dusty appearance, much like a classic French blue.
Are Lapis and Marseille the same price?
Yes. For any given piece of cookware, the price is the same whether you choose Lapis, Marseille, or another standard color like Cerise (red) or Flame (orange).
Do Lapis and Marseille cookware perform differently?
No, the performance is identical. Both are made from the same high-quality enameled cast iron and will heat, cook, and clean in exactly the same way.
How do I care for my Le Creuset enamel cookware?
To care for Le Creuset enamel, wash with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Avoid metal utensils which can scratch the surface, and avoid drastic temperature changes (like putting a hot pot in cold water) to prevent thermal shock, which can crack the enamel.
Which color is more popular?
While popularity can shift, Marseille tends to be a long-standing classic with timeless appeal due to its versatility. Bolder colors like Lapis often appeal to customers looking for a specific, trend-forward statement piece.
Can Lapis and Marseille be used together in one kitchen?
While they are both blues, their tones are quite different, and they may clash. Combining a vibrant color like Lapis with a more neutral color like white or gray would be a safer choice. Likewise, Marseille pairs beautifully with other muted tones or neutrals.
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