Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric fireplace wall mounted or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And fireplace surround it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on 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 a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and fireplace surround finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might 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 that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.