Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces wooden. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean 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 add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for electric fireplaces that are gas-powered.

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

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over 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 safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.