Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose 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. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

marble fireplaces

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace suites.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace electric opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.