Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fires fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace insert 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 it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces electric. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces electric that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for 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 does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the tabletop fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.