Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of ethanol fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different 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.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. 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 a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for ethanol fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace inserts surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for 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 a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.