Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern fireplace to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and Marble fireplace marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas Fireplaces wood. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or ethonal fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for ethanol fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.