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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements 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 also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap 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 sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace stove with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into 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 class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the electric fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.