Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces electric work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for Fireplaces fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning ethonal fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can 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 is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.