Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

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

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.