Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right 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 easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace insert could help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, 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.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

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 contemporary. Marble fireplaces wooden are a great option for open floor designs. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them 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 commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact 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 different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away 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 are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.