Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone fireplaces may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs 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 perfect design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to clean it 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 non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces shop. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern fireplace design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.