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 room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to 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 create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of 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 color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. 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, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.