Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric Firesuite or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace insert surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because 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 could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick 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 built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the ethonal fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas ethanol fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.