Create A Rustic Look by Dressing Fireplace in Natural Stone

Fireplaces, along with all the other more functional uses, can be a statement piece in the home. It does not matter whether it is a big or a small fireplace, it will draw the eye in the room regardless. This is why people invest in trying to increase the visual appeal of the fireplace, using several techniques. One of these is using natural stone to either outline, or completely refurbish the hearth to add a timeless beauty to it and captivate your guests. Some of the popular stones used in the fireplaces are granite which is used to rebuild the entire hearth, limestone and soap are used to turn the outside of the fireplace into a rustic paradise where you can enjoy an evening of warmth and comfort. Other decorative stones like marble are best used on the outlines, to project an air of modernity and sophistication. Dull and beige coloured marble can however be used for the same reason as the limestone and soap.

It is important to note that the use of natural stone is only possible with an inbuilt fireplace, and not with freestanding kind.

How Does This Work?

In most cases, inbuilt fireplaces are installed into a wall, which in modern houses are made mostly of finished stone and brick, which are ordinarily painted over. However, once this has been done, you can go ahead and create different looks, by adding natural stone to the surrounding space. In fact, since the rest of the house is already a standing structure, you can go as far as redesigning the entire fireplace surround, including the wall to create any sort of look that pleases you. This is done by using stone pieces like you would with either ordinary or marble tiles, by sticking them to the wall using cement. If you are looking to completely redesign the hearth, including the firebox, then granite is your go to material. It is one of the hardest natural building materials available, and it will serve you for years to come without requiring a replacement. It also handles heat in excesses very well so you do not have to worry about the firebox getting too hot.

Why Do People Natural Stone To Create Rustic Looks In Their Fireplaces?

Changing the way your fireplace looks has a lot of different advantages, come of which are cosmetic while others are more practical. Here are some of the reasons why more people are jumping onto this trend.

It looks divine: A rustic look is both warm and inviting. Granite, for instance, gives the fireplace a very distinct look that reminds you of a sunset in the outback. Limestone in the other hand makes an evening beside your hearth feel reminiscent of a night at the beach on a summer night. Depending on the type of marble you are using, you can choose between many different looks, thanks to its versatility.
Heat retention: This is one of the practical applications of using natural stone in your fireplace. It absorbs and retains heat and improves the general efficiency of your fireplace by helping radiate the heat across the home. Limestone and marble are particularly exceptional at absorbing heat, while basalt and soapstone are great if you are looking for a material that absorbs heat and releases it slowly over time. Granite on the other hand is a great conductor of heat.
Low maintenance: Very few materials in the home are as easy to maintain as natural stone. All it takes in most cases is a good wipe down with a damp cloth to make keep them clean. Some of the stones, marble in particular, may require that you seal them to keep soot and other dirt from setting into the stone. Granite on the other hand simply requires dusting and it is as good as new.
Keeping in line with design: Say you are already using natural stone in other areas of the house, such as the kitchen countertops, backsplashes, foyer, or other centrepieces of the home; it makes sense then that you would employ the same design tactic on the fireplace to tie it all together.
Natural stone lasts a long time: It is a proven fact that stone lasts a really long time. If you doubt this, try and find out how old Stonehenge is. Using natural stone in your fireplace, especially when you choose to line the firebox with it could mean it will last as long, if not longer than your home.
Increasing the value of your home: Creating a rustic look in your fireplace will definitely work in your favour in case you are looking to sell. Most potential buyers will appreciate the uniqueness of the look and the effort it took to put it together.