Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

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

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace suite surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, fireplaces Electric ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in 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 classy style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products 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 comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces shop. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

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

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.