Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely 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, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look 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 ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or ethonal Fire warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming 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 which could cause a health problem or bioethanol fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available 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. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the bioethanol fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm 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. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand fireplaces the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color fireplaces scheme that you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.