Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles 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.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate 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 can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

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 looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

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

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces wood that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace suite.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.