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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is essential to match 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 that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is in a straight line 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 recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace’s surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don’t crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone 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 vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won’t change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you’re considering a marble fireplace, you’ll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You’ll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it’s important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It’s rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it’s very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact 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 are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.