Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A fireplace inserts surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might 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 store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, Marble fireplaces and are positioned 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 strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed freestanding fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, Marble fireplaces which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks 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 house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

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

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, Wooden fireplaces which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.