Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern fireplace, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

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 range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood ethanol fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

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

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces electric that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer advice on this.