20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it’s crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace’s surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time 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 quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won’t warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you’re sure to find the ideal 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 popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It’s a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that’s formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come 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 create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you’ve chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you’ll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.