Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough 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 space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall fires accent in a traditional living space.

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 combined with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped design that adds 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 in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.