Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be 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 the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must 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 be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This 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 intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.