Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern fireplace, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as 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 also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong 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, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help 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 extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace stove into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for ethanol fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall fireplace feature in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

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

A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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 appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential 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 doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.