Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

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

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your freestanding fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, Electric Firesuite introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble freestanding fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough 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 area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces shop. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm 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 does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.