Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to remember 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 your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas ethanol fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any tabletop fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white fireplace, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.