Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your ethanol fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned 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 impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace suites surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fireplace accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want 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 fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for cheap fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. 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.