What Is Travertine and Why Designers Love It
Travertine isn’t just stone, it’s character you can live with. Naturally formed by mineral-rich waters, its soft layers, subtle veins, and signature pits make every piece unique.
Perfectly balancing quiet luxury with everyday practicality, travertine complements everything from Mediterranean warmth to Scandinavian minimalism. Defined by its signature travertine color, warm organic tones, and durable nature, it suits spaces that are meant to feel grounded, inviting, and ready for real life.
What is travertine made of?
Travertine is a natural limestone formed by mineral-rich springs and caves, creating its signature textured look of tiny pits and holes. For furniture, these pits and holes are filled and polished to create a smooth, durable surface that feels earthy, grounded, and quietly luxurious.
Is travertine a good material for furniture?
Short answer: yes, especially if you believe furniture should age alongside you.
Over time, travertine develops a natural patina, adding character and quietly reflecting the moments of your home—from weekend breakfasts and cozy coffee mornings to charcuterie boards and wine nights with friends. While traditional patinas lean darker and antique, other tones can appear too, giving each piece a unique personality.
Where travertine works best:
Living rooms: A travertine coffee table paired with a rattan armchair and a well-loved sofa creates a space that feels calm, grounded, and genuinely inviting.
Dining areas: Travertine dining tables balance everyday practicality with timeless design, pairing effortlessly with upholstered or wooden chairs.
Layered interiors: Its organic texture adds contrast to soft fabrics, clean-lined furniture, and neutral palettes.
How do you clean and maintain travertine furniture?
Like any timeless piece, travertine deserves timeless care. Made to be lived with, a little mindful attention keeps its natural beauty looking effortless for years to come.
Gentle daily care: A quick wipe with a soft, dry or lightly damp cloth keeps the dust and surface scratches at bay
Act quickly on spills: Travertine is naturally porous, so blot spills immediately to prevent stains and etching
Use the right cleaners: Stick to pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaners to protect the surface and preserve the natural finish
Seal and protect: Sealing travertine helps guard against moisture, heat, and everyday wear
Skip the harsh stuff: Avoid acidic, abrasive, or all-purpose cleaners that could permanently damage the stone
Use coasters and place mats: Protect your travertine from water rings, heat marks, and spills
Marble or travertine: Picking the stone that works for your home
Choosing between marble and travertine isn’t about better or worse; it’s about how you live. Go for marble if you crave timeless, high-gloss luxury, or travertine for warm, rustic textures that are durable as they are effortlessly inviting.
| Feature | Travertine | Marble |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Warm, earthy tones in creams, beiges, golds, and browns. Textured, natural surface. | Sleek, polished elegance with bold veining. Has a reflective surface that brightens spaces. |
| Maintenance | More porous and needs frequent sealing, but wears beautifully. | Denser and glossy, but it demands careful handling to avoid etching and losing shine. |
| Indoor use | Dining tables, coffee tables, side tables. Textured finish hides minor scratches and wear. | Dining tables, coffee tables, console tables. Polished surface for a refined, luxe look. |
| Outdoor use | Suitable for outdoor tables, benches, or patio pieces. A weather-resistant stone that handles temperature fluctuations well. | Generally, not recommended for outdoor furniture. Sensitive to weather and may discolor or etch. |
Is travertine a good choice for your home?
With its natural warmth, durability, and effortless style, travertine fits seamlessly into real life. Whether you are hosting friends, enjoying a quiet meal, or layering in textures for a cozy corner. A material that is practical as it is beautiful, it proves that furniture can be both functional and full of character—truly a rock-solid choice for your home.
