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. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the 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, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.