Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

stone fireplaces surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern fireplace. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and wood fireplaces (page) cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when placed next to a bioethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

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

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.