Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace suite, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. 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 in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing ethonal fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or Biofireplace polished for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.