Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the 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 an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of 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. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional 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 various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.