Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

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

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren’t warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won’t change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you’re bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you’re planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don’t want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

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

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.