In a world that leans back toward authenticity, natural stone pieces like marble and travertine are reclaiming their place at the heart of the table. Their veined surfaces and tactile depth bring a sense of quiet luxury, even in everyday moments. As part of The Cosy Cottage Collection, items like the Yara Torrent Marble Serving Board, Amie Marble Coasters, Elliot Travertine Coasters, Hana Travertine Napkin Rings, and Eloise Rosso Levanto Marble Coasters embody that blend of beauty and utility. But these materials require care; their porous nature means spills and acids can leave marks if we’re not careful. In this article, you’ll find:
-
What makes marble and travertine unique
-
Step-by-step cleaning and maintenance methods
-
How to style and pair these stone pieces (including with our cheese cutlery set)
-
Storage and long-term protection tips
What Makes Marble and Travertine Distinct?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms under pressure, with elegant veining and polished surfaces that catch light beautifully. Travertine is a sedimentary stone, known for its pitted texture and warm, earthy tapestry of tones. While marble often looks glossy and refined, travertine offers a more rustic, organic feel. Because both are natural stone, they share some vulnerabilities:
-
Porosity: Liquids can seep into the stone if not sealed.
-
Acid sensitivity: Vinegar, citrus, wine and tomato can etch the surface.
-
Abrasion: Rough scrubbers or grit will scratch them.
-
Staining agents: Oils, dyes, berries, or anything intensely coloured may leave marks.
When sealed and maintained properly, however, they can age gracefully and become a signature part of your table for decades.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Stone Pieces
1. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner
Avoid acidic or alkaline household cleaners. Choose a mild, pH-neutral stone cleanser (you can find ones made for marble and travertine) and dilute it per instructions. Apply with a soft cloth or sponge, gently wipe, and rinse with clean water.
2. Blot spills immediately
If red wine, lemon juice, oil or coffee gets on your board or coasters, blot right away instead of wiping. Use a dry microfiber cloth to absorb as much as possible, then damp wipe with clean water.
3. Avoid heat and abrasive objects
Don’t place hot pans directly on marble or travertine; use trivets. And never use steel wool, scouring pads, or rough brushes; stick to soft sponges or cloths.
4. Seal regularly
Apply a penetrating stone sealer every 6–12 months (or sooner if your stone is used heavily). The sealer fills the micro-pores and helps repel stains and moisture.
5. Buff to restore sheen
If your surface loses some luster, buff lightly with a dry, soft cloth. For travertine, you may lightly polish it with a stone-safe polish to enhance tonal depth.
Styling & Pairing Ideas with Stone
Marble and travertine pieces lend themselves to layered, elegant styling. Here’s how to combine them seamlessly in your home:
-
Centrepiece staging: Use the Yara Torrent Marble Serving Board as a base for your cheese presentation. Add a stainless steel cheese cutlery set as the elegant companion, giving guests both style and function.
-
Extend your set: Scatter the Elliot Travertine Coasters around the table for drinkware grounding. Pair them with the Hana Travertine Napkin Rings to harmonise texture and shape.
-
Mix with metal: Stone pieces look stunning when paired with muted metals. A gold candelabra, such as the Anya model, placed atop your Yara Marble Board creates a striking centrepiece and a beautiful visual contrast. It’s also a wonderful example of how you can repurpose your pieces beyond their traditional use.
-
Use as display art: When not in use, lean the marble board upright against a backsplash or prop it up on a shelf. The veined stone becomes sculptural décor in its own right.
-
Layer with textiles: A natural fabric table runner under stone pieces softens the hard surfaces.
These styling touches ensure your stone pieces feel natural, not fussy; just like how we conceived the Cosy Cottage Collection, where beauty meets utility in daily life.
Storage, Protection & Long-Term Care
-
Avoid humidity: Store in a dry area. Stone can absorb moisture and weaken or stain over time.
-
Don’t slam lids or edges: Mishandling edges can cause chipping or micro-fractures.
-
Reseal before heavy use: If you're about to host a dinner or use the board intensively, reseal 24 hours ahead to strengthen its protection.
-
Check the seal periodically: You can test by sprinkling a few drops of water on the stone; if the droplets bead up instead of soaking in, your sealer is still working.
Bringing It All Back: Stone That Speaks of Home
When you care for your marble and travertine pieces, you're preserving more than utility; you’re nurturing the story behind them. If you want to know how to look after your wooden and stainless steel pieces, you can explore our articles for more guidance on preserving your home accessories. As you oil your wood pieces lovingly, dust your iron candle holders, and care for your stoneware, you're weaving a narrative of care and intention throughout your home. Let your stone pieces age with you. Let the micro-marks and subtle patina be proof that life, as well as design, is happening.
