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 an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden fireplaces surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and 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 maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces shop. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace insert. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white fireplace. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.