Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

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

It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning cheap fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces electric are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone features 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 is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel ethanol fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.