Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning electric fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly 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 a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning 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 makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should 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 is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel 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 choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.