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 make or break the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for fireplace surrounds the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble small fireplaces are an excellent alternative to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and fireplace surrounds creams, which can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.