Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for ethanol fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace inserts surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

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

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe 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 another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce 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 are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, Ethanol Fireplace you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.