Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

stone fireplaces

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can 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 ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.