Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace suite made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace insert made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. 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 ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces wooden. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the 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 wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.