Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is essential 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 can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble electric fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on 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 option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great 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.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand marble fireplace the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

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, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or marble fireplace breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

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 look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace suites.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.