Reading a book, meditating, watching the flames or simply spending time with the people you love in a cosy setting all sound very tempting. A fireplace makes all of this possible. It brings comfort, a homely feel and warmth to your home, and makes it look elegant too.

A fireplace has long been more than a way to heat your home. It has also become an important design element.

Natural stone for fireplaces

When you choose materials for the outer finish of a fireplace, it is hard to ignore the fact that natural stone is the most suitable choice.

Why do we think so?

• Natural stone helps make a home energy efficient, because it holds heat much better than any other material.
• Natural stone is stable, strong, long-lasting and very durable.
• It has an elegant, timeless look with a touch of nature.
• It is very resistant to changes in temperature, which matters a great deal for a fireplace.
• Mould and rot cannot harm it.
• Another very important advantage is the easy care and cleaning of natural stone.
• Natural stone is an environmentally friendly choice for a fireplace, with no chemical additives.

Natural stone fireplace mantels

Natural stone is not only for cladding the fireplace itself. You can also use it for the mantel, which makes the fireplace look even more elegant and appealing.

The fact that mantels are exposed to heat most of the time is another good reason to choose natural stone for them.

Natural stone is naturally heat resistant, so it does not crack or change colour when it comes into contact with fire.

Which natural stone should you choose for fireplace mantels and surrounds?

The choice of natural stone for fireplace mantels and surrounds depends on several factors, such as the colour and style you want to dominate,  the level of resistance  to heat, the care it needs, the price, and its resistance to stains, scratches and knocks.

The most common natural stones for fireplaces:

Granite – Known as one of the hardest types of stone, it stands out for its resistance, durability, easy care and wide range of patterns. Because it is so strong, it also suits surfaces that take heavy use.

Marble – It has the classic, elegant look of natural stone and real glamour. Decide whether you want a more refined or a more formal look for your fireplace. Marble can be polished to a high shine, which adds more elegance to the room, or it can be given a less glossy finish for a slightly simpler look. It is best used for the decorative surround rather than for the parts right next to the fire.

Limestone – It is a simple, clean-looking stone that gives a fireplace a more modern look. With its light tones, a limestone fireplace brings out the architectural style of the room.

Slate –  It has a natural, rustic look that makes a home feel very welcoming. You can use this natural stone for a mantel right next to the fire, because it is highly resistant to high temperatures.

A fireplace has always drawn the eye in a room, which is why it still has an important place in our homes today.

Natural stone lets a fireplace fit into modern and more traditional interiors alike.

When you design your fireplace, we suggest you let your imagination run free and try out different combinations of natural stone colours and sizes.

And because no two pieces of natural stone are the same, your fireplace will be one of a kind, whatever its style.