Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

wood fireplaces

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and also 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.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall fires. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as 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 beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

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

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important 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 combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.