Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber 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.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces wood work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of shades 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 can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring bioethanol fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

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

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the freestanding fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.