Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace electric. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

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

It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace suite. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.