Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace ideas surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, Classy Fireplaces including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas Unique Fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly 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 constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.