Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the ethonal fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring tabletop fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.