Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether 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 can be a bit difficult.

Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and biofireplace oak. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone fireplaces is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a highr the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces electric that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental 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.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.