What Are Fireplace Surrounds?
This article explores: what material is best around fireplace? We look at the purpose of a fireplace surround and which material is right for it.
The fireplace surround is the object that sticks out from the wall of a fireplace and then covers up the fireplace opening. The fireplace surround is constructed out of the sides and the mantel, in some cases this can also include the base of the fireplace, also known as the hearth.
In other words, the fireplace surround is essentially thought of as the components which protrude from the wall and away from the firebox opening.
Commonly, fireplace surrounds will come as one full unit, and that unit will be made up of the mantel, the legs, and the hearth. The mantel is the top part of the fireplace surround, which is usually completely flat on top. This decision is made so decorations and personal objects can be placed on top.
Mantels can be purchased individually as a standalone unit to create what is popularly known as a 'floating mantelpiece'.
The sides of the mantel, sometimes known as the legs, are installed in order to give the mantel some structural support. They also help to create a barrier between the fireplace and the room.
Finally, the final section of the fireplace surround is the hearth. This is the flat area located at the base of the fireplace. Other fireplace related objects, such as a fireplace screen, can be placed here.
The hearth juts out of the wall in order to give the floor in front of the fireplace some protection against burning hot embers.
The size of a fireplace opening will vary from home to home, and because of this, fireplace surrounds come in a huge range of shapes and sizes.
What Does A Fireplace Surround Do?
The first purpose of a fireplace surround is simply to look nice! Having a fireplace component packed with personality helps to give the room a particular feeling and style.
That style can be lavish and luxurious, comforting and rustic, or modern and sleek. Secondly, the fireplace surround offers a barrier between the extremely hot open fireplace and the rest of the room.
Obviously, this means that the fire can be safely contained within the firebox and means you are not at risk of burning your house down.
One extra perk of the fireplace surround is that it gives you an extra surface within a room for decoration and styling.
Household decorations can be placed on the mantel to give your room some extra wow factor and more personality.
One last reason for fireplace surrounds is that they help with keeping the smoke from the fire coming into the room and funnel the smoke up the chimney.
No one wants their room to be full of smoke or even to smell like smoke, so the fireplace surround helps with getting the smoke to go exactly where it is meant to go.
Does A Fireplace Need A Surround?
As a general rule, a fireplace does not always need a surround. However, this depends on the requirements laid out within both national and local codes and regulations in relation to buildings.
You should also keep in mind that fireplaces can look extremely bare if there is no surround installed. In a way, it can make the fireplace look like it is missing a key component. So plan and design carefully if you are planning a fireplace without a surround.
Choosing a Fireplace Surround
Fireplace surrounds are one of the most essential parts of any fireplace, that does not matter whether the fireplace is a traditional open fireplace, a gas fireplace, or a wood-burning stove. Fireplace surrounds help transform the fireplace into a more central focal point for the room and into more of a unique home feature.
The fireplace surround also creates a shelf space above the fireplace so that the area can be decorated with whatever personal items you want to display.
Surrounds are available for all kinds of fireplaces, and they are always sure to add something special to the home's design. Below is a small guide to take you through the entirety of fireplace surrounds. We want to take you through what exactly a fireplace surround actually is and all the different materials that can be used for a fireplace surround.
We will also tell you the purpose behind a fireplace surround and whether your fireplace needs a surround in the first place.
Different Materials To Use For A Fireplace Surround
In the colder months of the year, everyone loves to spend more of their time indoors.
We can all agree that there is no better way to spend that time than curled up on the sofa while a fire warms the room.
But why curl up next to any old fireplace when you could be comfy next to a fireplace that is stunning to look at and draws the eye of everyone who enters the room.
The fireplace needs to be able to throw out a lot of heat. A huge part of that is the material used to create the fireplace surround.
There are so many options to choose from you may feel overwhelmed. Which will look the best? Which will stand the test of time? Which will allow the fireplace to release the most heat?
Below is a guide to assist in helping you choose which fireplace surround to go with.
Steel is one of the most popular fireplace surround materials available. Steel comes in a huge variety of different material finishes. This means that steel can be slightly altered to be able to fit in with different interior styles.
An average steel fireplace will usually give the room quite a modern feel, especially when combined with the right colours. Steel fireplace surrounds can also give the room a rustic industrial feel.
For many consumers, wood is a less obvious choice as the surround for a fireplace. This is because wood is the exact thing being burned on a lot of fires.
However, when it comes to the surround for your fireplace, as long as the wood surround is constructed properly, then there should be very little risk of the wood setting alight. However, we would recommend checking your local building codes to ensure whether this type of fireplace surround is allowed.
In recent years, concrete has become a more popular choice for fireplace surrounds. Concrete surrounds come along with natural finishes and clean lines. Concrete simply has a contemporary feel that you can't necessarily find anywhere else in the world of interior design. Plus, concrete is great for heating up spaces as it is fantastic for retaining the heat which is given off by the fire.
Concrete is also a highly resilient material, it is very difficult to accidentally break. Concrete is available in a wide variety of different colours and textures. Allowing for completely unique designs to be created within your space.
Stone fireplaces are excellent for adding a splash of old school rustic charm to any home. The stones add depth and texture to whichever room you add them to, and much like concrete, the stones will heat up along with the fire and then emanate the heat across the room.
This will make your home interior warm up much faster, but it will also keep the room warmer for longer. Stones can be used to create fireplace surrounds in an almost limitless amount of variations, meaning the only limit is your imagination.
One of the most traditional fireplace surround materials is brick. These days, the material is often used to contrast with the sleek whites, greys, and beiges of modern interiors.
It makes the brick really pop and helps to make the room feel all that more cosy and warm. Similarly to stones, brick can be arranged in a huge variety of different patterns in order to achieve different looks.
Tiles are a fantastic way to create a fireplace surround that truly looks unique. As we are sure you know, tiles come in unlimited different patterns, materials, sizes, and textures.
This means tiles can be used in any interior. Tiles are also a fantastic way to achieve looks that, with other materials, would be incredibly expensive.
Limestone is a highly popular choice for fireplace surrounds. This is because the limestone is easily manipulated and can be transformed into many contemporary shapes with curves and carved edges.
Limestone is available in a range of different natural colours, which are sure to draw the eye.
Cast iron fireplace surrounds will look fantastic with incredible with either a gas fire or a traditional open solid fuel fire. Cast iron is available in a huge selection of different finishes and designs, no matter whether you are after Victorian and Georgian styles.
This type of fireplace looks best within a period property or a property which has been designed to replicate the aesthetic of a period property.
If none of the above fireplace surrounds are getting you excited about your interior design, then we have one more option for you.
A floating beam can be a wonderful way to finish your fireplace, and if you're going for the rustic look, then fireplace beams might be a good option for you.
Do you have a period fireplace which needs repair or restoration? If you live in the Hastings and East Sussex area, our expert antique fireplace restoration services can help.