Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

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

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement 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 set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This 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 add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. 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 types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace’s surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you’re sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you’re considering a marble fireplace, you’ll want to choose one that matches 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 style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone fireplaces which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace suites place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range 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 to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it’s easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that’s formed by magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It’s rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it’s extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn’t extend past the front of the hearth (which isn’t safe nor look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you’ll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.