Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

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 for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage 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 can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace stove into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace suites that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

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

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary 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 best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.