Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace suite can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern fireplace to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some freestanding fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select 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 style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for 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 not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.