Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety 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.

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

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on ethanol fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and Fireplace Inserts can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper 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 pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like pots or 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 install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.