Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood ethanol fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

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

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

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

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

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

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.