Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks 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 hang garlands and Marble fireplaces wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace suite surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong 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.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. 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 is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expens a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic 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 wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white fireplace. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and Marble Fireplace that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer advice on this.