Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come 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.

Oak is the most popular wood used 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 that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would 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 can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or bioethanol fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace inserts into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the ethonal fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.