Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting fireplaces and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered real estate fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.