Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as ethanol fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace 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 become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or Ethanol Fire brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.