Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the electric fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

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

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white fireplace swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, Bio-Fireplace consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.