Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplaces fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall fires. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned 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 codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace stove can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall fireplace accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.