Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

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 budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace inserts surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces electric. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white fireplace and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can 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 ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.