Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern fireplace. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the 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 materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by ethanol fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace suites into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for Marble fireplaces their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when placed next to a bioethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're 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.