Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning tabletop fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood 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 damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and 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 need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. 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 with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for 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 ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.