Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it 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 air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
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 look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for ethanol fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white fireplace swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is 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 of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace suite surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.