Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor designs. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas Fireplaces shop. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider 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 that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.