Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and 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 of wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be 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 result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics 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 vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your electric fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.