Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard 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.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and 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 quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different 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 absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select 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 style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, Wood Fireplace then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.