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 a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes 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 festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by 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 fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original desiaired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.