Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces 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 myriad of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to 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. It can increase the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace stove you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble tabletop fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options 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 a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace insert surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.