Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning ethanol fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or fireplaces scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.