Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern fireplace to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult 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 which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option 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 is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces electric. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern 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 area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.