Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace stove surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming 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 vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern fireplace to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace (related resource site). Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must 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 spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

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

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.