Catania Travertine Bookends - Beige

The Catania bookends are carved from natural travertine stone, each piece shaped into an L-form base supporting a vertical upright and a round disc cut with radiating grooves. The pair weighs 2.04kg total (approximately 1.02kg per bookend), providing enough mass to hold upright books on a shelf without sliding. The travertine carries a natural taupe finish with visible mineral pitting and tonal variation across the stone.

Designed for bookshelves, mantels and console surfaces where books need vertical support, the Catania bookends function as both practical shelf anchors and decorative objects. The round disc motif, cut with radiating lines reminiscent of a mid-century clock face or sunburst, adds a sculptural accent to what is otherwise a utilitarian object. Each bookend measures 15cm high, 8cm deep and 31cm wide when measured as a pair end-to-end.

Travertine is a sedimentary stone formed from mineral deposits in hot springs, giving it characteristic surface pitting and layered texture. The natural finish on the Catania bookends leaves this texture visible rather than polishing it flat, so each pair shows different pitting patterns and tonal shifts depending on which section of the stone block it was cut from. The warm taupe tone sits between beige and light brown, pairing comfortably with both neutral and earth-toned interiors.

Are these heavy enough to hold books upright?

Yes. The pair weighs 2.04kg total, with each individual bookend at approximately 1.02kg. This is sufficient to support a row of standard hardback or paperback books without the bookends sliding or tipping.

Does the stone colour vary between pairs?

Yes. Travertine is a natural sedimentary stone, so each pair shows different mineral pitting, tonal variation and surface texture depending on which section of the quarried block it was cut from. The overall taupe tone remains consistent, but the exact patterning differs between individual pieces.

How should travertine be cleaned?

Wipe with a dry or barely-damp soft cloth. Travertine is porous and can absorb liquids, so avoid soaking the stone or using household cleaners, polishes or acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice, which can etch the surface.

What are the dimensions of a single bookend?

The listed 31cm width is the measurement when both bookends are placed end-to-end as a pair. Each individual bookend is approximately 15.5cm wide, 8cm deep and 15cm high, though minor variation occurs due to the handmade nature of the carving.