Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

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

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. 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.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed freestanding fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to 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 suites. 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 non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes 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 abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is crucial 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 safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.