Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, 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 can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it’s essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace’s surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. 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 surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won’t warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you’re sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace insert, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas cheap fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

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

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn’t be safe or look attractive). If you’re using a combustible material as your surround, you’ll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.