Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood fireplaces is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally 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 choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace insert regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or ethonal fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are an excellent alternative to open floor plans. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink when the tabletop fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

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

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

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 up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a 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 important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.