Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should 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 the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

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

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any tabletop fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel ethanol fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.