Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it 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 is over.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. 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 fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a Ethonal Fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the bioethanol fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For Ethonal Fire a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a freestanding fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some fireplace suite surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.