Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your electric fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.