Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplace heater or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, Wall Mount Fireplaces rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to match 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 a mantel that is positioned away from the Wall Mount fireplaces.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time 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 durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent 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. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ 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 typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.