Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

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

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white fireplace, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a ethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces wooden that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the ethanol fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your freestanding fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.