Styles of Fireplace Surrounds

Fireplaces, by their nature a large design element, can make or break a room. An attractive fireplace in step with the room's aesthetic will enhance the space's appeal, but one that has seen better days or lacks style can detract from it. Changing the surround is an easy way to give the fireplace an update.

Contemporary

In a contemporary space, the fireplace has clean lines and a lack of adornment, with no fussy moldings and often not even a mantel. It can be understated, with a muted surround, or it can call attention to itself with a bright, graphic color or a floor-to-ceiling surround. Mosaic glass tile adds sparkle to a contemporary surround, reflecting the light in the room. Granite and stone tiles also work well for a contemporary surround and come in a variety of colors and gradations from light to dark. Stucco applied over a tired brick or tile surround gives it a new lease on life. After the stucco dries, homeowners can paint it any color they wish to match the room and their design sensibilities.

Traditional fireplaces often have brick or stone surrounds and detailed wood mantels. Fireplaces from the Craftsman or Victorian periods may have surrounds composed of period tile. Reproduction tile offers the same look for an old house that is being restored or a new one whose owners want it to look old. Granite, marble or other stone tiles fit in nicely with an elegant, traditional room. Brick surrounds that have been discolored by years of soot may look good as new after a cleaning, or homeowners may choose to paint them. After the paint goes on, though, it's not an easy matter to get it off again.

Fireplaces can go a long way toward helping a room achieve a lodge or cabin look. River rock or stacked stone surrounds are classics of the style, often soaring all the way to the ceiling for a dramatic effect. Chunky wood mantels provide the finishing touch. These natural materials give both the fireplace and the room an outdoorsy feel without sacrificing warmth and comfort. Both river rock and stacked stone are available in manufactured veneers that are lightweight and less expensive than the real thing. Because the veneers can be applied over many surfaces, including concrete, stucco, brick, drywall or plywood, they may eliminate the need for a complete overhaul of the fireplace surround.