Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look 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 a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is 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 vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of 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 deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and modern Fireplace wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces wood. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces wood. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when 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 using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.