Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong 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 guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

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

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace suite could assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're planning to install 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 timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with 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. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.