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 space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace insert surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial 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 in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly 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 a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also 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 gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace suites regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived 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. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

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

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for 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 located from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.