Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any style, Ethonal fire from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace suite surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal 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 from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for freestanding fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. 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 fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to 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 sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples 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 that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures 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 appearance works well with many types of decor and is 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 also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.