Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing 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 warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. 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.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning 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 a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a ethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

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