Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces is a great option to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces electric. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting 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 gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.