Embrace a rectangular stone-effect table built for a long sofa

Format decides how a coffee table works in a room. At 140 x 70 cm this rectangular coffee table runs parallel to a three-seater and puts a surface within reach of every seat, which a round table of equivalent area cannot do. The cement with travertine-effect finish gives that mass a visual lightness, banded and warm rather than flatly grey, so a piece of this footprint does not close the room down. It suits an open-plan living space where the seating floats rather than hugging a wall.

Travertine markings run in layers, laid down as mineral-rich water deposited calcite over centuries. Reproducing that in a cast cement table means the pattern can be carried across a long top without the seams or bookmatching that a real stone slab of this length would demand. The practical result is a continuous surface, and a piece where each table is exclusive, with its own tones and textures. Style it in zones: a tray at one end, books at the other, the central span left clear.

Living with cast cement: siting, seasons and upkeep

Plan the position before delivery. A 140 cm cement table is heavy by design and should be lifted into place rather than dragged, both for the floor beneath it and for the edges of the top. Once sited, leave a comfortable stride between the table and the front of the sofa so the room still walks well. Micro-cracks and irregularities may appear in the cement as temperatures change through the year; the maker confirms these do not affect the integrity of the product.

The table is rated for indoor and covered outdoor use. On a sheltered terrace, pair it with the Iria protective covers out of season and apply the Sterina stone protector twice a year to keep the surface sealed against rain and standing water. Indoors, coasters are sensible under anything oily or acidic, and a damp cloth handles the rest. Avoid bleach and abrasive creams, which strip the protective layer and leave a dull patch that will not blend back in.