Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design StyleIf you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to 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 or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at more money.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements 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 deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this. 
