Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and Fireplace Insert more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white fireplace swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace stove. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

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

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.