Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace suites can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

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 can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is 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 stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace suite surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant 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 install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal 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 colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring Ethonal Fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.