Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is 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 breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element 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 styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually 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 size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.