Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This 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 in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.