Fireplace Surrounds and Mantels

a guest post by Gordon Cressey

If you have a fireplace in your home then you probably do not just have a hole in the wall where the hearth is with no decoration or ornamentation around it. Most likely, you have some kind of fireplace surrounds or at the very least, a mantel. This kind of decoration is not necessary for a functioning fireplace, but it certainly makes them look nicer and they do provide some amount of safety benefits as well.

First, let’s explain the difference between a mantel and a surround. A mantel is a shelf that is above a fireplace. Many people use the mantel to display pictures or set out decorative items. A fireplace surround is the decorative area surrounding the entire opening for the hearth. If there is no surround then the drywall of your wall comes all the way to the opening of the hearth. Sometimes a mantel is incorporated into a surround, and sometimes you will find a fireplace with a surround but no mantel.

Probably the most common type of surround is a stone one. Stone is a great material to use for surrounds and mantels because it is not flammable. If somehow a fire were to get out of control and leave the hearth, then a stone surround would slow it down some before it reached other flammable areas of the house. Stone can also be used for mantels. Home stone fireplace surrounds are quite common and will go well with the mantel if they are made of the same or complimentary types of stone.

Stone is not the only material available, though. Some designers have tile fireplace surround ideas that are interesting. Usually, if you are going to use tile in a fireplace surround, then the tiles will be a mosaic and will paint a picture. It is not unheard of to use solid tile for your surround, but it just is not very popular. Another possible choice is wood, but if you use wood you lose the inflammable properties of other fireplace surround materials. Wooden fireplace surrounds are often ornately carved. Another choice, a marble fireplace surround, is the epitome of elegance, but will also be quite expensive.

Finding the right fireplace mantels and surrounds for your home is not always easy, but chances are that when you see the one that will work best with the rest of your home’s decor, you’ll know right away that this is it. What a beautiful way to add warmth to your home!