Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a bioethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.