Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range 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, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options 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 home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or bioethanol fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could 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 is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.