Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since 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 also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden fireplaces surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall fires. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fires.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

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

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble ethanol fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

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

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For wall fires a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, wall fires you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.