Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

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 finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

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

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality 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 look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone 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 issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want 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 paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

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

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This 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 endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.