Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line 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 complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood fireplaces 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.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

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

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly 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 may also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

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 not beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate 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 advise you on this.