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. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, 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 as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall fireplace that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace insert surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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 hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

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

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on one wall Fires in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may 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 safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.