Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall fires flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage 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 can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces wood. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their freestanding fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of shades, 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 should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.