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 an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set 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 for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They 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 set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the 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 look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.