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 regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily 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 could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

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

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 for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design 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 a classy look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which 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 think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces wood.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.