Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace inserts can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, 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 an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

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

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.