Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern fireplace, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior Fireplace Electric design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas ethanol fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective 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 drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can 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 a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.