Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. 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 wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood fireplaces trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the bioethanol fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide 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 must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ 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 usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.