A fireplace is often the centerpiece in a home, where family and friends come to gather in the cooler months. In the summer, a fireplace surround can offer a pleasing aesthetic or more functional shelving space.
Finding the perfect design for your fireplace can put the finishing touches on, and add character to, any home.
What Are Fireplace Surrounds?
Fireplace surrounds are essentially everything that surrounds a fireplace besides the firebox itself. This includes the mantle, returns, legs, and more. A fireplace surround can be made with a wide array of materials and include design elements to fit any space.
Does a Fireplace Need a Surround?
A fireplace does not necessarily need a surround. However, a traditional fireplace can seem very bare without some sort of surround, mantel, or cover.
Some people opt to just add a flat piece of metal or wood, whereas others like a larger mantle to store picture frames and trinkets. All fireplace surrounds need to be in line with building regulations in your local and national area.
Fireplace Surround Material Options
When it comes to designing the perfect fireplace surround for your home, the materials you use can make all the difference. Depending on your taste and your budget, some materials may be a better fit for you than others.
Stone and Marble
When it comes to a fireplace surround, stone or marble are some of the most luxurious materials you can use to make a statement. However, these materials can come at a cost, sometimes ranging into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Each piece of stone or marble is unique, making it the perfect option if you’re looking to draw attention to your fireplace surround.
Cast Iron or Metal
Cast iron fireplace surrounds became popular in the 1800s and continued to stay popular in homes until the 1930s. Today, cast iron surrounds are often used to create an antique or Victorian vibe that fits well in some homes, especially historic ones.
Many people with cast iron fireplace surrounds opt to paint the iron with metal paint, allowing them to fit their mantle to the style of their room. Others use an antique cast iron surround as a unique statement piece in a traditionally styled home.
Depending on where you purchase your cast iron surround and whether it’s vintage or newly made, the prices on these pieces vary greatly. One downside of cast iron is that it often rusts when any moisture is present on the metal.
Wood
Wood is a classic material that can be used for your mantle if you’re looking for an inexpensive, relatively easy-to-install option. Wood comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. There are plenty of options to choose from, making it a great versatile material for most homes.
Fireplace Surround Design Ideas
Now that you’ve figured out your material, you’ll need to decide on the design. There are so many designs that can fit any style of home, whether it be a traditional or modern space.
Welded Metal
Welded metal has had a moment in the design world. This sleek trend adds a masculine yet chic feel to any modern farmhouse or apartment.
Carved Wood Appliqués
If your home is more traditional, you may consider adding carved wood details or appliqués below the top of the mantle to add extra detail and unique characteristics to your fireplace surround.
Classical Details or Dental Molding
If you’re adding a brick fireplace to your home and need some extra flare to soften its hard edges, consider adding dental molding to the mantle. This trend, popular in the Italian Renaissance, is made from hand crafted small blocks, which look similar to teeth.
Check out our previous blog posts for more fireplace design ideas!
Four Day Fireplace has one of the biggest selections of fireplace products for your home in Western Washington. Reach out to our experts or check out some of our other blog posts for more ideas about what you might want to install into your home!
