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Fireplace anatomy is a complicated subject! So what, exactly, is a fireplace surround? It’s everything that makes up a fireplace’s exterior, including the mantel, hearth, moulding, and more.

In terms of design, the fireplace surround is even more important than the actual firebox or wall insert. And your surround will be a significant part of your room design whether the fireplace itself is lit or not.

There’s more than one way to tackle a fireplace remodel! Keep reading for the best fireplace surround ideas and trends of the moment.

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1. Granite Elegance for Fireplace Surrounds

Granite is one of the most popular natural stones used to finish fireplace surrounds. Few materials can compete with the durability — including (very importantly), extreme heat-resistance — of this stylish rock!

Granite tile can be used to frame any type of fireplace. This material will pair just as nicely with a traditional wood-burning fireplace as it will a sleek linear one.

Most people picture dark grey or black granite when asked to describe this stone. But granite comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit your interior decor style. Just remember that some (rare) shades will come at a steep price!

2. Stylish Herringbone Fireplace Design

Herringbone looks much like chevron. The key difference between these two tile layouts is that herringbone features all 90-degree corners. The tiles do not come to a “point” as they do in a chevron pattern.

A herringbone pattern can be created with tiles of nearly any size or material. You can replicate this look with natural stone or a ceramic tile of your choice.

Covering your fireplace surround with herringbone tile can be a great way to add texture to an otherwise simple color scheme. You can also utilize several different tile colors or finishes to bring even more intrigue to your fireplace design idea.

3. Luxurious Marble Fireplace Upgrade

If someone were to ask you to name a stone associated with elegant home design, marble would probably be the first thing to come to mind. While it’s true that marble fireplace tiles are a hallmark of luxury decor, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get this look yourself.

Marble is available in many colors. White and black are the most popular. Opt for large marble panels to preserve the unique vein patterns of the stone in your finished fireplace surround.

A marble fireplace surround can be created using the real thing or a close replica. High-quality faux marble tile is surprisingly difficult to tell from authentic stone! And it’s often easier to maintain.

4. Sleek and Chic Modern Fireplace

For a modern fireplace surround, you’ll want to focus on contrast and shape. Find a balance between letting your fireplace fade into the background without overwhelming the surround with visual clutter.

Some contemporary fireplace surrounds feature natural stone tiles or bricks. The sleeker and more dramatic the stone (think marble vs. rough river rock), the more modern the finished product with look and feel.

Skip the integrated mantel in favor of a floating shelf hung above your fireplace insert. You can even forgo the mantel altogether for a smooth, uninterrupted accent wall.

5. Cozy Rustic Fireplace Surround

It’s hard to imagine a cozy cottage or cabin without a roaring fireplace in the sitting room. So if you’re trying to replicate this warm atmosphere in your own home, a rustic hearth could be exactly what the space is missing.

Natural materials like wood or brick are the perfect choices for a rustic fireplace makeover. You can’t go wrong with a wood fireplace mantel built into a classic brick surround.

Some homeowners worry that replacing a traditional fireplace with a gas or electric insert will mean losing that rustic charm. But you can easily mimic the look of a wood-burning hearth with a set of faux logs.

6. Timeless Natural Stone Fireplace

There’s no denying that stone is one of the most common materials used in constructing fireplaces. Much of this popularity is thanks to the sheer durability and versatility of stone.

Stone comes in many different forms, from all-natural river rock to cut and polished brick. This means that you can design a stone fireplace surround that will match practically any style of home decor.

You can create a stone fireplace surround out of one type of rock or combine several varieties for a one-of-a-kind design. Pair your stone fireplace with accents like a wood mantel or tile hearth.

7. Versatile Tile Fireplace Options

Many homeowners automatically reach for natural stone when finishing a tile fireplace surround. But there are endless possibilities outside of a granite or marble fireplace!

Pretty much any style of tile can be adapted to a fireplace surround design. Look for heat-resistant tiles for extra durability — most kitchen backsplash tiles fit the bill. And remember that square or rectangular tiles are not your only options!

Mosaic tile can be used to cover the entire fireplace surround or as an accent just around the opening. Apply the same tile to your fireplace hearth for a more cohesive look overall.

Read more: 52 Fireplace Tile Ideas

8. Classic Elegance in Traditional Fireplace

In the midst of people trying to modernize their homes’ existing fireplaces, it’s refreshing to see design ideas that embrace the traditional aesthetic of the wood-burning fireplace. Even if you own an electric or gas fireplace insert, you can adopt some of these ideas for your own home.

A traditional mantel surround is a must. Opt for an all-wood fireplace surround — a quick coat of paint will cover up mismatched pieces and ensure the whole thing coordinates with your other room decor.

Create a DIY fireplace surround with a traditional aesthetic by adding decorative moulding to your current mantel. This project can be completed just as easily using either a built-in firebox or a faux fireplace!

9. Bright and White Fireplace Surround

Color can be one of the trickiest concepts for homeowners to master. Fortunately, you can’t beat the bright, clean aesthetic offered by all-white decor.

A white fireplace surround can be made out of nearly any material. Heat-resistant paint can make quick work of updating an existing brick fireplace surround. Go with painted shiplap for a farmhouse-inspired look.

Remember that a white color scheme does not need to be entirely flat. Materials with natural variation — think light-colored limestone, marble, and slate — can bring dimension and texture to an otherwise monochromatic fireplace surround.

10. Warmth with Wood Fireplace Surround

A wood fireplace surround might not sound like the best idea. But there’s really nothing wrong with using this material to finish your fireplace’s exterior. Rather, it’s an extremely popular alternative to stone or brick.

Frame your fireplace opening with an ornate wooden mantelpiece for a traditional aesthetic. You can paint your wood fireplace surround or go with a natural stain.

Wood can also be used to decorate the entire wall behind your fireplace mantel. Wood paneling or shiplap will add texture to the wall without distracting from the main attraction. Again, finish the project with a coat of paint or heat-resistant wood stain.

“I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer.” –  George Matthew Adams

Having a fireplace in your home is a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because it’s a natural focal point and centerpiece to your decorating. It’s a curse because everyone will look at it when they enter the room.

Have the wrong mantle decor, and you bring down the style and vibe of the entire room. If you don’t have a fireplace, you can fake it by building a faux fireplace with a mantle.

Fireplace mantel ideas will help you figure out what you like and what will look best in your home. Look for decor that will enhance the look and feel of the room where the mantle is located. Don’t resort to the standard generic lineup of family picture frames.

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1. Marble Fireplace Mantel

A marble fireplace mantel serves as a stunning focal point, exuding timeless charm and adding a touch of grandeur to any room. The smooth and polished surface of the marble reflects light, creating a luminous ambiance that elevates the entire space.

Showcase your favorite artwork, family portraits, or stylish decor pieces on the mantel to add a personal touch.

2. Flagstone Fireplace Mantel

Whether your design aesthetic leans towards traditional or modern, a flagstone fireplace mantel blends seamlessly with various styles, offering versatility and timeless appeal.

Use it as a display area for cherished family photos, art pieces, or decorative accents that reflect your personal taste.

3. Fireplace Mantel With Decorative Tiles

One way to add a unique touch to your fireplace mantel is by incorporating decorative tiles. Choose tiles with intricate patterns, bold colors, or interesting textures to add visual interest and personality.

Arrange the tiles in a pattern that suits your aesthetic and complements the overall design of your space.

4. Fireplace Mantel With Victorian-Style Carvings

The intricate carvings of a Victorian-inspired mantel bring a sense of elegance and timeless beauty to any space.

You can choose from a variety of designs, such as floral motifs, intricate patterns, or ornate details, to create a focal point that exudes sophistication and charm. Pair it with a collection of antique candleholders, vintage photographs, or a statement mirror to complete the look.

5. Stucco Fireplace Mantel

The texture and depth of a stucco mantel add a unique charm to your fireplace, becoming the focal point of the room.

Dress it up with antique candle holders, intricate sculptures, or even a vibrant piece of artwork to create a captivating display. The stucco texture adds depth and character, making your fireplace mantel a conversation piece that exudes both elegance and history.

6. Brick Fireplace Mantel

A brick fireplace mantel adds a touch of elegance and sophistication while creating a focal point that draws the eye. The beauty of a white or black brick fireplace mantel is its versatility, as it seamlessly blends with various design styles, from rustic to modern.

You can personalize the mantel by displaying cherished photos, artwork, or decorative items that reflect your unique style and personality. The neutral color of the white brick allows you to experiment with different color schemes and textures, making it easy to change the overall ambiance of the room.

7. Roman-Style Fireplace Mantel

With its timeless design and elegant details, a Roman fireplace mantel brings a touch of sophistication to any room.

Whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary aesthetic, the versatility of a Roman fireplace mantel allows you to incorporate it seamlessly into your existing design scheme. Display your favorite artwork, sculptures, or cherished family photos on the mantel, turning it into a showcase of your personal style.

8. Glass Mirror Modern Fireplace Mantel

Whether your style is modern, classic, or eclectic, glass mirror trimming complements any design aesthetic. Adorn the mantel with an artful arrangement of candles, vases, or cherished trinkets to create a captivating display.

Let the glass mirror fireplace trimming elevate your decor, adding a touch of luxury and creating a visually striking statement that will leave your guests in awe.

9. Fireplace Mantel With Minimal Trimming

This sleek and contemporary design choice creates a seamless and clean aesthetic that complements any modern interior. The absence of excessive ornamentation allows the focus to remain on the beauty of the fireplace itself, while still providing a functional space to display decor.

Embrace the simplicity and let the clean lines of the mantel speak for themselves. Add a carefully curated selection of art pieces, vases, or candles to create a chic and sophisticated look.

10. Black Fireplace Mantel

When it comes to creating a statement piece in your living room, a black fireplace mantel is the epitome of masculine elegance. This bold choice instantly adds a touch of sophistication and drama to your space.

Pair it with a contrasting wall color or let it stand out against a neutral backdrop for a striking effect. The black fireplace mantel serves as a focal point, drawing attention to the heart of your home. You can showcase your favorite artwork, photos, or stylish decor pieces on the mantel, adding a personal touch to the overall design.

11. Shiplap Fireplace Mantel

If you’re going for a farmhouse-inspired look, consider adding a shiplap fireplace mantel to your space. The horizontal wooden planks instantly bring a cozy and rustic charm to the room.

Whether it’s a seasonal wreath or a simple greenery wreath, it adds a touch of natural beauty and serves as a focal point. You can also decorate the mantel with a curated collection of vintage finds, family photos, or decorative accessories to personalize the space and create a warm and inviting ambiance.

12. White Fireplace Mantel

A white fireplace mantel is a versatile and timeless choice that brings a clean and sophisticated look to any space. Its neutral color allows for endless styling possibilities, making it easy to adapt to different design aesthetics.

Whether your style is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, a white fireplace mantel seamlessly blends in while adding a touch of elegance.

Display a collection of art pieces, place a mirror for added depth, or adorn it with greenery and candles for a cozy ambiance.

13. Polished Wood Fireplace Mantel

The beauty of a polished wood fireplace mantel lies in its versatility, as it seamlessly complements various interior styles, from traditional to modern. Its smooth surface provides the perfect canvas for showcasing an array of decorative objects, such as framed artwork, vases, or even a collection of cherished family photographs.

14. Brick-Stone Fireplace Mantel

The beauty of a brick-stone mantel lies in its versatility, as it can complement various interior styles, from rustic and farmhouse to industrial and contemporary.

The rough texture of the bricks adds depth and visual interest, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

15. Stonewall Fireplace Mantel

The natural texture and earthy tones of the stonewall provide a captivating backdrop for your fireplace, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Decorate the mantel with carefully curated items, such as art pieces, sculptural elements, or a collection of cherished objects, to further personalize the space.

16. Board & Batten Fireplace Mantel

Whether your home leans towards traditional or modern aesthetics, a board and batten fireplace mantel can effortlessly complement any interior.

The clean lines and architectural details create a sense of sophistication, while the versatility of the design allows for various decor options. Display your favorite artwork, vases, or decorative objects to add a personal touch. You can also experiment with different textures and finishes to enhance the visual interest of the mantel.

A wood burning stove exudes a magical warmth that can make you forget about the cares of life. But to safely enjoy your wood stove, it must include a properly designed hearth.

What is a hearth? In simplest terms, it’s the surface immediately surrounding a fireplace or wood stove. Hearths are made from heat and fire resistant material such as brick or stone. Think of it as a safety zone to prevent sparks and embers from catching your house on fire.

The type of hearth you choose depends on your decorating style and whether you want your hearth to stand out from or blend in with the surrounding decor. Scroll through our gallery for ideas on building a beautiful and functional wood stove hearth.

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1. Choose Bricks for Your Wood Stove Hearth

Brick is a time-tested fireplace surround material. It’s an inexpensive choice compared to many other wood stove hearth ideas and will last a long time. Brick adds a rustic flavor to the room and is a logical choice if your home has a brick exterior.

You’ll often see a brick fireplace insert inside a traditional fireplace. This helps to protect the walls from the intense heat a wood-burning fire generates.

Achieve the same fire insulation by building a brick wall behind a freestanding wood stove. Add a mantel shelf to the brick surround to make it feel more like a classic masonry fireplace.

2. Optimize Space with Corner Hearth Designs

The exterior wall corner is a logical location for a wood burning stove. Not only does it maximize the room’s footprint, it’s easy to vent the stove pipe through the wall.

Many wood stove manufacturers now offer tall, narrow stoves that are excellent for small spaces. Regardless of the burning stove size, an adequate hearth pad is necessary.

While vintage stove models often lack integrated insulation, newer, well-insulated stoves might eliminate the need to apply brick or stone to the surrounding corner walls. Even so, most building codes require a solid hearth pad.

3. Select Stylish Hearths for Freestanding Stove

Freestanding wood burning stoves radiate heat throughout the room. They’re a great way to add affordable heating in a home without a built-in wood or gas fireplace, especially in cold climates where heating costs are high.

A freestanding wood stove or pellet stove can be moved if necessary.

Wherever you locate your freestanding wood burner, it will need a hearth for safety reasons. A good hearth serves many purposes, including outlining a zone that keeps people and burning wood a safe distance apart.

4. Explore Jotul Stove Hearth Inspirations

Norway is notoriously cold, and the Norwegian company Jotul has become legendary for its variety of indoor and outdoor wood stove products. A Jotul cast iron stove is durable and will not be deformed even after years of use. Cast iron stove parts are also easy to replace.

Design your stove or fireplace hearth around the type of Jotul stove you get. An antique stove model can stand up to a ceramic tile or other decorative hearth design. A modern gas stove looks good above a square or circular stone slab hearth.

5. Living Room Hearth Ideas for a Welcoming Ambiance

The fireplace is usually the living room’s focal point. Whether you install an electric fireplace, wood cook stove, boiler stove, or multi fuel stove, the fireplace hearth provides an opportunity to give the room a designer touch.

The wood burning stove hearth is a practical storage spot for fireplace tools and wood. If you have a coal stove, keep a bucket of coal on the hearth. Build up your hearth on a platform to raise the stove’s presence in the room.

If your stove has an open grate or window, be sure to arrange your furniture so that each seat has an unobstructed view of the flames.

6. Elevated Platform Hearth Designs for Wood Stoves

A hearth platform may serve a decorative or functional purpose—or both. Because the hearth is meant to protect your home from a fire’s intense heat, it must be a certain thickness.

If a renovation includes adding a wood burning fireplace or wood burning stove, a raised hearth platform may be your best solution.

If you’re installing an electric stove, a hearth is not required. However, many homeowners add one anyway because a hearth is such a classic part of fireplace design.

7. Rustic Hearth Concepts for a Warm, Country Feel

A stone fireplace with a wood stove insert provides a classic rustic vibe. Its hearth can be made from any combination of brick, flagstone, slate, and other non-combustible natural materials.

A rustic hearth can be a simple slab, such as a stove board or hearth pad.

8. Discover Elegant Stone Hearth Solutions

Granite and marble are popular types of hearth stone. They come in a huge range of textures, colors, and patterns. You may even be able to replicate the same type of marble or granite used on your kitchen countertops or foyer.

Soapstone is a great material for hearths and wood stove sides. It has natural veining that varies from piece to piece, making each slab a one-of-a-kind décor element. It retains heat for a long time, providing radiant heat overnight. Vermont-based Hearthstone stove products are made with soapstone.

9. Decorative Tiled Hearth Options for Wood Stoves

Tile is a must if you want to add a decorative flair to the wall and floor around your wood stove. Available in countless sizes, colors, and patterns, hearth-friendly tile design options abound.

Solid color tile is also a good option, particularly if you want the hearth to blend into your décor instead of standing out. Mix and match tile textures while keeping to the same color. This adds interest to your stove area without taking away from other design elements in the room.

10. Revamp with Wall Hearth Ideas

Some types of heating stoves do not require the surrounding wall to be covered in fire-safe material. However, most coal, wood, or cook stove models will require a brick or stone wall surround.

For a rustic or industrial touch, cover the wall behind your wood stove with corrugated metal panels. Their subtle reflective surface maximizes the light given off by a night-time fire.