Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper 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 style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any tabletop fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable 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 area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone fireplaces is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

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

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

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.