Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround 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. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

marble fireplace

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn'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 myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in 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, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white fireplace swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.