Material & Care Guide for Marble, Onyx, Brass, Textiles & Rugs

Each GAURI KOHLI piece is shaped through material, finish, and form. Natural stone, textile, metal, wood, and woven surfaces carry their own character and evolve through everyday use. This guide is designed to help you care for each material with clarity and restraint, so every piece can be lived with beautifully over time.

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Care Principles Natural Stone Brass & Metal Textiles Rugs & Bath Mats Jute, Wall Art & Woven Surfaces Wood, Bone, Horn & Inlay Glass Resin & Composite Finishes Storage & Placement FAQ

Care Principles

The best care is often the simplest. Most materials benefit from a gentle hand, a soft cloth, and prompt attention to spills. Natural materials are not meant to remain perfectly static; they soften, deepen, and settle with time. Small variations in tone, texture, grain, veining, and finish are part of the life of the material and should be understood as character rather than defect.

Do

Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
Blot spills promptly rather than wiping them across the surface.
Use coasters, trivets, liners, rug pads, and felt protectors where appropriate.
Lift objects rather than dragging them across delicate surfaces.
Follow any product-specific notes listed on the individual product page.

Avoid

Harsh chemicals, bleach, ammonia, acidic cleaners, or abrasive powders.
Steel wool, scouring pads, stiff brushes, or rough microfiber on polished finishes.
Standing water, prolonged moisture, or damp storage.
Direct heat on unprotected surfaces.
Extended direct sunlight on textiles, dyed materials, and natural woven fibers.

Natural Stone Care

Marble, onyx, travertine, sandstone, and other natural stones are valued for depth, mineral variation, and quiet movement in tone. Because these are porous or semi-porous materials, they should be treated with care. Even when sealed, natural stone is best protected from acids, oils, strongly pigmented liquids, and prolonged moisture.

Marble

Marble offers a refined, cool surface with soft natural veining. It is sensitive to acidic ingredients such as citrus, vinegar, wine, and some cleaning sprays. Wipe with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth, then dry immediately. For a deeper clean, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner sparingly and follow with a dry cloth.

Use coasters beneath glasses and cups.
Use trivets or liners beneath hot serving pieces.
Do not leave water rings, oils, or food spills sitting on the surface.
Expect subtle softening or tonal variation over time as part of the material’s life.

Onyx

Onyx is prized for translucency, dramatic veining, and luminous tonal depth. It is often more delicate than standard marble and should be handled thoughtfully. Clean gently with a soft dry cloth. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth followed immediately by a dry one. Avoid acidic foods, alcohol-based sprays, pigmented liquids, and rough handling.

Best used with felt pads, coasters, and protective liners.
Do not place very hot items directly onto the surface.
Lift sculptural objects from the base with both hands where possible.
Protect edges and carved details from impact.

Travertine & Sandstone

Travertine and sandstone have a softer, more porous character and often include natural pits, movement, and mineral texture. Dust regularly and clean with a dry or barely damp cloth. Because these stones can absorb moisture and oils more readily, prompt blotting is essential.

Avoid excessive water saturation.
Keep away from oily cosmetics, pigmented soaps, and strongly colored foods.
Do not scrub into open texture or natural pores.
Use indoors in stable, dry environments unless otherwise specified.

For Stone Serving Pieces

Food-safe use should be limited to dry or low-moisture serving unless otherwise noted on the product page. Line stone surfaces when serving citrus, dressings, oils, berries, wine, or heavily pigmented ingredients. Hand-wash only where appropriate, and never place natural stone in the dishwasher, microwave, or oven.

Brass & Metal Care

Brass and metal finishes bring warmth, contrast, and sculptural clarity. Depending on the finish, some metal pieces may remain bright and polished, while others may naturally deepen and soften with time. This tonal evolution is part of the character of the material.

Dust with a soft dry cloth after use.
If needed, wipe gently with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.
Avoid abrasive polishes unless specifically recommended for that finish.
Keep away from prolonged moisture, salt residue, and acidic food contact.
Do not soak metal pieces or leave them wet after cleaning.

For brass servers, bar tools, and tabletop accessories, hand-wash only when appropriate, using mild soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly at once. If the product includes wrapped handles, woven grips, enamel details, stone elements, or mixed materials, clean only the metal portions as needed and keep decorative areas as dry as possible.

Textile Care

Pillow covers, throws, and soft decorative textiles bring color, texture, and layered character into the home. Many pieces in the collection include embroidery, appliqué, tufting, or artisanal surface detail. These details require gentler handling than plain woven fabric.

Pillows & Decorative Covers

Spot clean only unless the product page specifically states otherwise.
Blot stains immediately with a clean, dry or barely damp white cloth.
Do not rub embroidered or tufted areas aggressively.
Avoid bleach, stain removers, and strong detergents.
Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to reduce fading.
Store flat or upright in a dry area when not in use.

Throws & Lightweight Textile Layers

Shake out gently to remove loose dust.
Spot clean in sections rather than saturating the entire piece.
Fold loosely to avoid hard creasing around embellishment or fringe.
Store in a cool, dry place away from dampness and direct sun.

Natural Variation in Textiles

Slight shifts in weave, hand-feel, embroidery placement, texture density, fringe finish, and color tone are part of handcrafted textile production. These variations should be expected and appreciated as part of the individuality of each piece.

Rugs & Bath Mats

Rugs and bath mats experience daily contact, foot traffic, and shifting light. Proper placement and routine maintenance will preserve texture, color, and structure while helping the piece settle beautifully into the room.

Area Rugs

Use a rug pad for grip, cushioning, and longevity.
Vacuum gently without a beater bar unless the product page advises otherwise.
Rotate periodically for more even wear and light exposure.
Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
Do not oversaturate with water or household carpet cleaners.
For larger spills or deep cleaning, use a professional cleaner experienced with natural fiber or handcrafted rugs.

Bath Mats

Keep the mat as dry as possible between uses.
Hang or lay flat to air out fully after exposure to moisture.
Avoid leaving the mat on continuously wet flooring.
Spot clean promptly and gently.
Use a rug pad or anti-slip support where appropriate.

Shedding in new rugs and tufted bath mats can be natural during the early period of use. This typically settles with regular, gentle vacuuming and normal wear.

Jute, Wall Art & Woven Surfaces

Woven wall pieces, jute textures, natural fiber mirrors, and framed textile compositions carry rich surface interest and handmade variation. These materials should be kept dry and handled gently to maintain form and finish.

Dust lightly with a soft dry cloth, feather duster, or clean dry brush.
Do not saturate natural fiber surfaces with water.
Avoid humid areas, damp walls, and prolonged direct sunlight.
Use appropriate wall anchors and install securely to reduce stress on the piece.
Handle framed pieces from the sides rather than pressing on the front surface.

Natural fiber wall art and jute pieces may display tonal variation, subtle fraying, and slight movement in weave. These qualities are part of the character of the material and should not be interpreted as uniform-machine finish.

Wood, Bone, Horn & Inlay Care

Inlay surfaces and mixed-material objects often combine wood, bone, horn, resin, or metal into a single decorative composition. These surfaces are detailed and should be cared for gently to preserve alignment, smoothness, and finish.

Dust with a soft dry cloth only.
Wipe very lightly with a barely damp cloth only when necessary, then dry immediately.
Avoid standing water, soaking, or prolonged moisture exposure.
Keep away from heat vents, direct sun, and high-humidity environments.
Do not use oil-based polishes, strong sprays, or abrasive cleaners.

Hairline variation, tonal movement, grain shifts, and handcrafted irregularity are part of the appeal of inlay work and should be expected.

Glass Care

Glass cloches, lids, and decorative glass elements should be handled with care and stored securely when not in use. Clean with a soft cloth and a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth rather than directly onto the piece where possible.

Dry fully after cleaning to avoid water marks.
Do not stack glass pieces without protective padding.
Lift by the base or body rather than delicate knobs where practical.
Keep away from impact-prone edges and crowded storage.

Resin & Composite Finish Care

Some decorative objects and tabletop pieces may feature resin, lacquer-like finishes, or composite surfaces. These materials should be cleaned with restraint, as strong cleaners and heat may affect gloss, color, or surface integrity.

Dust with a soft dry cloth.
Use a lightly damp cloth only if needed, then dry immediately.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, high heat, and hot serving contact.
Do not use acetone, alcohol, abrasive cream cleaners, or polish compounds unless specifically recommended.

Storage, Placement & Daily Use

Care begins with placement. Pieces kept in stable, interior environments generally age more beautifully and require less intervention over time. Consider how a piece meets light, heat, moisture, and daily movement in the room.

Placement

Use felt pads beneath stone and metal objects on wood or delicate surfaces.
Keep handcrafted pieces away from unstable edges and high-traffic impact zones.
Protect sensitive materials from prolonged direct sunlight.
Avoid placing porous materials in consistently damp spaces.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated interior space.
Wrap delicate pieces in soft cloth rather than newspaper or colored tissue.
Do not stack carved stone, glass, or inlay items without protective padding.
Fold textiles loosely and avoid compressing embellished surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my piece look slightly different from the product image?

Many GAURI KOHLI pieces are made from natural or handcrafted materials. Variation in veining, weave, carving, color depth, grain, texture, and pattern placement is expected and part of what makes each piece individual.

Can I use stone pieces for serving?

Many stone pieces are best suited to dry serving, display, or low-moisture use unless otherwise noted. To protect the finish, we recommend lining the surface when serving acidic, oily, or strongly pigmented foods.

Do I need a rug pad?

Yes. A rug pad is recommended for most rugs. It improves grip, supports the structure of the rug, provides cushioning, and helps extend the life of the piece.

Will brass change color over time?

Depending on the finish, brass may retain a brighter appearance or gradually develop a softer patina. This natural shift can be part of the material’s character and is often considered desirable.

How should I care for embroidered or embellished pillows?

Spot clean only unless a product page states otherwise. Avoid rubbing, soaking, or machine washing. Handle embellished surfaces gently and keep them away from prolonged direct sunlight.

What if I am unsure how to care for a specific piece?

Please refer first to the material notes on the individual product page. If you still need guidance, our team is here to help. You may contact us at care@gaurikohli.com for product-specific care guidance.

A Note on Longevity

Thoughtful care does not mean preserving a piece in untouched condition. It means allowing the material to age with grace while protecting its form, finish, and integrity through daily use. We design for lived spaces, and we believe the beauty of a piece deepens when it is cared for with consistency and restraint.

For product-specific care questions, please contact us at care@gaurikohli.com.