Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace stove surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

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

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create an original design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're considering 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 option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace stove.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.