Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. 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 and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble fireplaces cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For Marble fireplaces a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.