Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is 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 result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. 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 avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone fireplaces option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall fireplace in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for ethanol fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.