Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and Fires textures to create an original look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for Ethanol fireplaces several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall fires feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.