Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern fireplace, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important 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 decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace insert surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home 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 located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you decide to go with 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 when paired 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 are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.