Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance, 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 strong 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, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for ethanol fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as 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 assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace suites's surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone fireplaces is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength 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 massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.