Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace inserts can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

marble fireplaces

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for ethanol fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape 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 feature in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers 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 fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces electric that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.