Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. 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 surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback to the 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 regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

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

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design 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 focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space 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 are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.