Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround 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 vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls 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 is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace insert. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for fires combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. 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.