Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace suite surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

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

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for 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 another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring ethanol fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors 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 may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even 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 opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, 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 help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.