Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

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 and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood freestanding fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide 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 interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time 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 and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble electric fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as 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 extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.