Travertine has moved from the construction world into the furniture world in recent years, and for good reason: it brings warmth to rooms where marble appears cool. However, those who choose it should understand what its pores signify.
Open or Filled
Travertine forms near springs and therefore contains cavities, known as pores. They are its distinguishing feature, and there are two ways to address them. Leaving them open-pored creates a lively, artisanal look, but collects crumbs and dust in the indentations. Filled means the pores are filled with cement or resin, and the surface is smooth; this is the easier-to-maintain option and suitable for dining tables. Both appear similar from a meter away but are entirely different in daily use.
Why Travertine Appears Warm
The base color ranges between beige, sand, and light walnut brown, with patterns running in calm bands rather than sharp veins. This allows the stone to support rooms without dominating them, and it adapts to almost any wood type. It works particularly well with brass, as both share the same warm basic temperature. In contrast, it can quickly appear out of place with cool chrome or nickel.
Daily Care
Like marble, travertine is a limestone and reacts similarly to acid. Wine, lemon, and vinegar cleaners will leave dull spots. For daily cleaning, a soft cloth with clear water is sufficient; for grease stains, use a pH-neutral cleaner. Open-pored surfaces are better dry-brushed rather than forcing water into the pores. Impregnation delays the penetration of oil and is advisable for light slabs.
Suitable for Outdoors, but Not Everywhere
Travertine is frost-resistant if it remains dry. If water stands in the pores and freezes, it will crack the stone. For terraces, this means ensuring proper drainage, not leaving the stone under standing water in winter, and covering or storing it if there is a risk of frost. It is well-suited for protected outdoor areas and complements outdoor furniture made of teak and wicker.
Where it is Most Effective in a Room
Travertine is most impactful in large, calm surfaces: a solid slab on a coffee table, a pedestal for a sculpture, a console table against a long wall. In small formats, it loses its effect because the banding does not come into its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does open-pored mean for travertine?
The natural cavities of the stone remain visible. This creates a lively look but collects dust and crumbs. Filled versions are smooth and easier to maintain in daily use.
Is travertine suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, in protected outdoor areas. The crucial factor is that no water stands in the pores and freezes, as frost will crack the stone from within.
Does travertine tolerate wine and lemon?
No. Travertine is a limestone and reacts to acid with dull spots, similar to marble. Spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Consultation by an Authorized Dealer
Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory and provide advice on material, finish, and delivery times, both online and in our showroom in Essen. We answer questions about a specific piece at info@casa-luxury.de.
Travertine at Eichholtz: Pores, Tone, and Application: Models from the Collection
A selection from the areas discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Eichholtz Marble · Eichholtz Care · Eichholtz Coffee Tables · Eichholtz Outdoor