Everyone Loved It In The '80s — The Funky Table Material We Want In Our Homes

We may not be splashing teal and pink all over our living rooms like in the 1980s, but some home decor has time traveled out of the "Back to the Future" decade. Those grand, sculptural tables made of travertine, an earthy limestone, were ubiquitous in the '80s and are popular in contemporary homes where authentic, natural decor is prized. You may see them as funky living room coffee tables, bedroom end tables, or dining room dinner tables. 

Travertine is formed by carbonated fresh water and calcium carbonate in places like hot springs. Depending on its place of origin, the sturdy stone can be beige, reddish, or walnut-brown in color. It has a porous texture thanks to the plant parts that get trapped in its formation. When made into furniture, it's often polished, and sometimes the pores are filled for a smooth finish. With its unique texture and visible veins, travertine is one of the trendy natural materials you'll be seeing more of.

While undeniably stylish, the stately beauty of travertine comes with high maintenance. It is prone to damage from acidic liquids and scratches from abrasive cleaners. To make sure your ode-to-the-'80s table holds up over the years, apply a sealant, use coasters to protect its surface from wine and coffee spills, and clean it gently with a soft brush and neutral cleaning solution. Spills happen, but wipe the table with a moist cloth afterward to prevent stains.

Large travertine tables were right at home amid the oversized pieces that marked a furniture trend in the '80s. This stately stone was already a choice material for noted 1970s furniture designers like Willy Rizzo. Italian designers, including Mario Bellini and Massimo and Lella Vignelli, dreamt up dramatic travertine tables that could be focal points and conversation starters of the time. Eventually, designer Michael Taylor moved sensibilities in a more uncluttered direction but kept big, natural stone pieces in his outdoor-inspired "California Look." He helped make this natural stone popular during the decade. Travertine tables are that funky neutral accent that played well with the whims of the '80s and the sleekness of modern designs.

Part of travertine's enduring appeal is its high-end look, similar to that of marble. A table made of red or tan-colored travertine adds warmth to any room and can bring a much-needed balance to wooden furniture or fixtures. Incorporating some of this elegant limestone into today's homes is one way designers recreate the quiet luxury trend. It's equally appropriate for a Mediterranean vibe or in a minimalist interior. And with travertine, all this style can be achieved for less than buying a marble table.

Travertine is a timeless stone known to age well, so you can find tables with a nice patina at antique stores, estate sales, or resale platforms like 1stDibs. Some well-known examples sought after in the '80s (and today as high-end vintage pieces) include the Il Colonnato Tables designed by Mario Bellini. For a more modern touch, look to minimalist-inspired pieces like the Distinct Coffee Table from Ferm Living. A slightly more budget-friendly option is Anthrolopogie's Travertine Finish Coffee Table, which has a travertine finish over a concrete base. Choosing a side table is also a way to add pure travertine to your home at a lower price point.

When it comes to styling the table, you can play with symmetry or contrast. Carry the look throughout a room by decorating with travertine sculptures or candle holders, or pair the stone table with seating made of different materials, such as bamboo or even metal. Depending on preferences, the material works as a textural layer or a counterpoint to colorful vases and table toppers. Shape is another dimension to think about, with square or rectangular tables defining zones of the room and rounded tables creating a more seamless feel. Also, choosing a deeper-colored travertine for your living room table may lend more of a contemporary touch and remove the association with '80s rooms, which were often dominated by beige.