Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous 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 crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

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

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as 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 help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.