Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The 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 can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace stove is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall fireplace focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, Wood fireplaces which can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

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

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.