Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these 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. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some 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 clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for Fireplaces Wooden. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.