Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace inserts surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace electric. 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.

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

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different 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 room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

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

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.