Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, 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 is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and Marble fireplaces swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas electric fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing 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 warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, marble fireplaces and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the ethanol fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for cheap fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.