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 home, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern fireplace, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

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

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall fireplace. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at several DIY and Fireplace Suites home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, 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 space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match 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 timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for ethanol fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.