Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential 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 suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fires.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

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

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace electric made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide 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 keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace stove is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.