Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from 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 located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or ethanol fire cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available 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 create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

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

You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.