Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior double-sided fireplaces isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be 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 breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually 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 essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly 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 an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for real estate fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic fireplaces look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting 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 especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.