Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace heater or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, fireplace surround and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround (check). It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and fireplace surround colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in wall fireplace this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are 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 comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.