Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example certain tabletop fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by 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 security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create an original design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace inserts surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble fireplaces cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall fires of the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as 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 of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. 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 bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.