Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it’s a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood tabletop fireplace surround, it’s essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong 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.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace’s surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don’t warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces wood. It’s also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice 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 variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white fireplace, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it’s also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that’s formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you’ll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.