Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for 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 fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense 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 shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and Ethonal fire are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher 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 extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone tabletop fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

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

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

If you're going with a marble 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 combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, Marble Fireplace and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products 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 constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to 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 non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white fireplace. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and electric fires is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that 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 hold decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.