Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. 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 both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not 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 is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with 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 such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the electric fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their tabletop fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for 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 combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.