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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to a ethanol fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas cheap fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces electric using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace suite.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.