Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace inserts surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace suite opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.