Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor designs. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

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 looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel uk fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best Fireplaces for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm 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 a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.