Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace suite surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping 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.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the bioethanol fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.

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

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to 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 a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.