Is there anything that compares to the comfort and grandeur of a stone fireplace? Stone has always been a popular material for fireplace design, and for good reason. The stone is incredibly versatile; You can literally create any style of fireplace, from the grandest to the most rustic and everything in between, with stone. But which stone is right for your fireplace? Here are some ideas to consider when designing your ideal fireplace.
overall design
Its general design will guide you towards certain stones. The elegance and beauty of marble seamlessly elevates a more formal room, while the rustic curvature of field stones can bring organic comfort to a cabin-style den. Determine what style you want for the room as a whole and see if any stone immediately evokes that aesthetic for you. Marble can be expensive, but it’s worth every penny if it perfects the look of your room.
maintenance issues
Some stones are very easy to care for, requiring only a gentle cleaning from time to time to maintain their shine and beauty. Other stones are more complicated to keep in perfect condition. Marbles and limestones are softer than other stones, so great care must be taken to ensure these stones are not accidentally dented. Also, marble can take more effort to clean than, say, granite. Which brings us to the elephant in the room: soot.
Soot and stains
If you use your fireplace on a regular basis, soot will be a problem. Using a dark material for your fireplace can certainly help mask soot stains. The darker gray or black stone will keep your cleanliness to a minimum, but what if your heart is set on something lighter? If you plan to use your fireplace frequently, look for something easy to clean, like granite or slate.
don’t forget your home
Make sure the design of your home complements the design of your fireplace. Depending on the material you choose for your fireplace, you can use the same material to create your hearth. If not, or if you don’t want your home to be made of the same material, try using a product that complements the style and color of your home. Tile is a great option for homes, as are other varieties of stone with a similar color to the main stone you choose. Make sure the hearth design works well with the fireplace design; you don’t want a farmhouse-style fireplace to pull away from a modern hearth or vice versa.
Ultimately, the beauty of well-designed and well-constructed stone will make your fireplace the dramatic centerpiece of any room you incorporate it into. Talk to your designer or seller about which stones will be suitable for your fireplace.
