Fireplace Surrounds Aren't the Same as Mantels

The material, often stone, tile, or brick that goes around the opening of a fireplace is called a fireplace surround.

The material, often stone, tile, or brick that goes around the opening of a fireplace is called a fireplace surround. If they include a shelf on top they are called a mantel surround. Fireplace surrounds help to create a special look in your home, and can really be a centerpiece of attention, especially if there is no fire burning or no mantel on which to display your family treasures.

Fireplace surrounds are not technically the same thing as fireplace mantels, although few people are aware of this other than the experts. Traditionally the term mantel was just used for the upper shelf, but in today’s common usage it often refers to the entire surround. Technically a surround is term for everything but the mantel, but few people are aware of this distinction.

While traditional surrounds are stone or brick, if you have an electric fireplace they can also be wood. Since the flames produced in an electric fireplace are an illusion there is no fear that a wood surround can catch fire. The flames from an electric fireplace are created using refracted light, and while they look real they are totally harmless.

You can get a wood surround in almost any style or finish, to match any decorating style and make a beautiful addition to any room. You can also unplug the unit and move it to any room that would benefit from its beauty and warmth. Just put it in its new location and plug it in, so much easier than lugging a bunch of stone around.