Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and modern fireplace gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for cheap fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.