Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with 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 on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant 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 kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be set 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 regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace suite into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.