Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, 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 a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room, marble fireplace and it also helps break up a wall that may 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 can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

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

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps 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 material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern fireplace. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't 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 most suitable match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or marble fireplace water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces wood. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas ethanol fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.