Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. 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 fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern fireplace. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for bioethanol fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden 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 a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.