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 regardless of whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall fireplace that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after 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 range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The 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 fantastic way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

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

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone fireplaces can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic 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 store decorative objects like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.