Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace insert surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of it your taste.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array 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 several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace electric and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.