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 transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

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

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

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

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging 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.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace inserts in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning ethanol fireplace area can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace suites.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a 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 dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.