Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

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

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall mount fireplace. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and fireplace surrounds beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial 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 fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace wall mount with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

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

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making 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 and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or 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 surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors 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 can be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.