Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace inserts surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the stone tabletop fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. marble fireplaces can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.