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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

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

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want 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 flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance 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 to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.