Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a ethanol fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed freestanding fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces Fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive 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 an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. 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. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. 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 makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace inserts.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.