Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

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 safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed 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. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't 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 been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas ethanol fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

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

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and biofireplace it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

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

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.