Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for marble fireplace fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice 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 in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble ethanol fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize 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. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for ethanol fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace insert opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.