Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace’s surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace’s surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don’t crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for 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 luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn’t change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you’re planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You’ll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don’t want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft 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 use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. 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 such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re planning to install a combustible surround, then you’ll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.