Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. The right 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 is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make 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 essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

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

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition 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, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning real estate fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, Fireplace safety precautions grey and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.