Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

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

It is important to match 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 to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by ethonal fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, 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 more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for Electric firesuite the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

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 blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.