Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

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

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with 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 tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

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