August 22, 2023
Travertine is a stone that has been used in architecture and construction because of its beauty, durability and distinctiveness. In this post you will discover some of its main characteristics, as well as its possible applications in homes and spaces.
A naturally occurring sedimentary limestone, travertine is formed from minerals dissolved in thermal or groundwater. This is the main reason why the beauty of travertine is unmatched by any other stone.
Travertine marble has been used as a building material for centuries, especially in Roman architecture. Below we explain the main properties of travertine marble.
1. Appearance: travertine has a porous appearance with veins and holes, which gives it a unique texture. Thanks to technology and innovation, there is now a wide range of models of travertine marble imitation porcelain and travertine tiles available, which you can find in this post (Porcelanosa and XTONE). The same applies to terrazzo.
2. Colour: travertine is available in various colours, including shades of beige, brown, cream, white and grey. The veins may be darker or lighter than the background colour.
3. Porosity: it is a highly porous stone. Pores can vary in size and number, which affects their ability to absorb water and liquids.
4. Durability: it is a tough and durable stone, especially when used indoors or in areas with less exposure to sunlight. Due to its porosity, it is susceptible to damage if exposed to excessive moisture or corrosive chemicals.
5. Finishes: travertine can be found with different finishes, including polished, brushed, honed or bushhammered. Each finish gives it a unique look and feel, from a glossy polish to a rougher texture.
6. Applications: this type of natural stone is frequently used in the construction and decoration of interiors and exteriors. In interiors, it is applied as wall coverings, floors, worktops and bathrooms. Outdoors, it is used for paving roads, terraces, stairs and even façades.
7. Maintenance: travertine by L’Antic Colonial requires a certain amount of maintenance to preserve its beauty and resistance. To prevent the penetration of liquids and stains, the stone must be completely sealed. It should be cleaned with non-corrosive products. The use of acidic products that could damage the stone should be avoided.
8. Aesthetic appearance: travertine marble has a classic and elegant look, which adds a touch of sophistication to the spaces where it is used. Its natural and warm appearance gives it a timeless style.
Important: take into account the specific characteristics of each piece of travertine marble, as these may vary according to the region of origin and the conditions of extraction.
Decorating with this natural stone can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space, whether indoors or outdoors. Below, we detail the different ways in which travertine marble can be used in rooms:
1. Claddings: travertine marble, travertine-look porcelain tiles and travertine tiles are used to cover the walls of living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, and headboards. This material has the ability to create a warm and natural ambience, especially when combined with the right lighting.
2. Flooring: it is an excellent choice for flooring, due to its resistance and durability to heavy traffic.
3. Countertops: its use as a kitchen or bathroom countertop adds a touch of elegance. One of the qualities of travertine is its porosity, so it is necessary to seal it properly to avoid stains.
4. Fireplaces: cladding a fireplace with travertine helps to create an interesting focal point in rooms such as the living room or dining room. The texture and natural colours of travertine enhance the beauty of the environment.
5. Architectural details: it is a good choice to use travertine to highlight certain architectural elements, such as columns, arches, cornices and window frames. Depending on the colours and forms of armchairs, sofas and other decorative objects, a more classic or more contemporary style can be obtained.
6. Furniture and accessories: incorporating travertine furniture or accessories such as side tables, mirror frames or lamp bases give spaces extra texture, sophistication and exclusivity.
7. Outdoor spaces: travertine tile is a good alternative for the paving of interior patios or terraces. The appearance of the stone blends in well with nature and lends an elegant look to outdoor locations.
Wherever it is applied, travertine gives us sensations of serenity, peace and calm. Here we’ll tell you three key ideas to decorate a space with travertine.
Travertine can be mixed with a wide palette of colours, from the warmest to the darkest shades. Depending on the location of the space or the image you want to project, it can be complemented with raffia baskets, wicker chairs or hemp lamps. Together with earthenware jars, a very natural look can be achieved.
In more classical settings, candles, books and designer figurines are good decorative elements. For bathrooms or kitchens, gold fittings can be a good complement to travertine. Placing flowers in rooms where travertine is present is a sure success.
Combining travertine with other materials and colours creates a visual balance. For an evocative contrast, merge travertine marble, travertine-look porcelain or travertine tile with wood, metal, glass or other types of stone.
Floor lamps, wall lights and recessed lighting highlight the textures and colours of the travertine. Strategic lighting accentuates the natural beauty of the stone or the look of Porcelanosa‘s travertine marble-look porcelain or travertine tile. Above all, natural light is the best ally for travertine to shine in all its splendour.
In short, this material can be an excellent choice for residential and contract spaces, due to its attractive aesthetics, durability and versatility. It is essential to consider factors such as maintenance and the type of interior design that this material projects. It is important to know that alternatives exist in travertine marble imitation porcelain and travertine tile.
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