Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fireplace.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

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

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces electric work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White Fireplace marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace inserts with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or Wall Fireplace crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.