Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall mounted fireplace electric, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home because 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 an increased price.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

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

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great 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 found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces 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 create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.