Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is to the wall fires flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential 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 fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace (company website) you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, fireplaces making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas freestanding fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially 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 to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.