Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

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

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This 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 stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern 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 feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well 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 is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.