Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it 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 could assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces wood make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall Fires feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.