Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can 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 offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces wood. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or cheap Fireplaces crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces shop using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose 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.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.