Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace electric surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. 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, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly 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 sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces electric work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps 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 match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional 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 a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace suite surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds 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 most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.