Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and Marble fireplace dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces is a great way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired 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 relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble freestanding fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and marble fireplace staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.