Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor plans. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.

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

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and 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 in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the wall fireplace the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.