Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, fire including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace stove into a stunning feature. The beautiful 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 decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you choose 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 of the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles like the ones featured 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 some additional maintenance. Marble can be 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 stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the ethonal fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. 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 space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.