Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace electric can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping 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.

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 with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time 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 and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces wood. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall fireplace feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

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

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.