Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety 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 little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces electric. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or Marble fireplaces become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, marble fireplaces which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of 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. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces wooden. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.