Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and Ethanol Fire it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces shop. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the ethonal fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the electric fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you choose will depend on 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 hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.