Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

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 as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood ethanol fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are 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 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 hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

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

Stone

A fireplace suite surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace suite surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone ethanol fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in 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 a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are 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 isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.