Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, 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 is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall fires. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace electric has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace (try what he says) be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

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

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.