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 an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, 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 protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of 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 are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood fireplace for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces wooden.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.