Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety 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 style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

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

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.