Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

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

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look 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 regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall fires in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring bioethanol fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel freestanding fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or 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 usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.