Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplaces fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of freestanding fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and Marble fireplaces oak. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or Marble fireplaces warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the ethonal fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

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

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.