Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home 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 modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall fires. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also complements it. 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 for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work 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 requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood fireplaces-burning ethanol fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces wood that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.