Travertine is a sophisticated natural stone, known for its porous surface and distinctive natural holes. Its rich texture and organic veining make every piece truly unique. While commonly found in warm beige tones, Travertine also occurs in a variety of other shades — including soft reds and deep brown-blacks — adding depth and character to any space.
There’s a quiet confidence in Travertine. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t seek the spotlight. Instead, it brings a kind of soft architecture to a space — one that’s both grounded in nature and elevated in aesthetic.
At Avery Stone, we work with Travertine not because it’s trending, but because it’s timeless. This ancient stone holds the weight of history and the warmth of the earth.
It transforms interiors through texture, tone, and tactility, becoming more than just a surface — it becomes a presence. Let’s explore what makes Travertine so compelling, and why it continues to shape the world’s most thoughtful interiors.
What Is Travertine, Exactly?
Travertine is a type of sedimentary limestone, formed when mineral-rich waters — often from hot springs or limestone caves — evaporate and leave behind calcium carbonate deposits. Over thousands of years, these deposits solidify into stone, capturing the mineral activity of the earth in layers, pockets, and patterns.
What sets Travertine apart from other natural stones is its porous surface — filled with tiny holes, ridges, and channels. These natural voids aren’t flaws — they’re fingerprints of time, giving the stone its organic texture and tactile depth.
Each piece of Travertine is entirely unique. The way the light hits its surface, the shadows it casts in those little craters — it’s less like a building material and more like a canvas shaped by nature itself.
Texture That Tells a Story
In a world obsessed with perfection, Travertine offers something better: character.
Its raw, porous texture adds visual interest without overwhelming a space. It creates softness without being delicate. Unlike the high-gloss finish of polished marble or the flatness of engineered stone, Travertine has dimensionality — it breathes.
At Avery Stone, we embrace the imperfections of Travertine. The tiny cavities, the fossil-like markings, the unpredictable veining — they give the stone its soul. They tell you: this was made by the earth, not by machines.
A Palette Rooted in Nature
Most people associate Travertine with soft beige — and rightly so. Its most iconic form comes in creamy, sandy tones that add warmth to any space. But Travertine is far more diverse than that.
Depending on its mineral composition and the region it’s sourced from, Travertine occurs in a broad range of colors, including:
- Ivory & Bone White – Light and neutral, ideal for minimalist and Scandinavian interiors.
- Warm Beige & Sandstone – Earthy and inviting, a perfect base for natural textures like wood and linen.
- Terracotta & Rust Red – Rich and soulful, with hints of ancient Rome.
- Silver & Grey – Understated luxury with a cool, contemporary edge.
- Deep Brown & Charcoal Black – Bold, moody, and full of contrast.
At Avery Stone, we hand-select Travertine in tones that resonate with our philosophy: premium, calm, and enduring.
Finishes: From Raw to Refined
The finish you choose for Travertine dramatically shapes its mood. Here are the most common — and how we use them at Avery Stone:
- Honed: Smooth and matte. This is our signature finish — subtle, tactile, and non-reflective. It softens light and invites touch.
- Brushed: Textured to the touch, with slightly more grip and rustic charm.
- Filled: The natural holes are filled (often with resin or similar material), creating a sleeker, more uniform look.
- Unfilled: Holes and voids are left untouched — raw, earthy, and true to form. Perfect for those who love organic texture.
- Polished: Less common in our collections, but sometimes used for contrast in high-gloss minimal spaces.
We believe the beauty of Travertine lies in its tactility — which is why we often favor honed and unfilled finishes. They allow the stone’s personality to shine through, untouched and unfiltered.