The fireplace can be a visual focal point, whether it’s in the living room or a bedroom. Thus, it’s worth beautifying it by surrounding it with an attractive material. Some fireplace surrounds also help distribute the heat from the fire around the room. Here are the top materials used by interior designers.

What Are the Material Options for a Fireplace Surround?

1. Brick

Brick is a traditional material and can work with older or more modern décor, depending on the color and the way the bricks are laid. For example, bricks that are a uniform color and are laid evenly create a cleaner, modern look, while ones with varying shades and depths look more rustic. You can also get the look of brick using handcrafted, crackle brick ceramic tiles, which mimic the colors and textures of real brick.

2. Granite

For a sleek modern look, use polished granite around the fireplace. Utilize a rougher, textured option for a rustic look. This material is a natural stone and comes in a variety of colors and patterns to match nearly any room design. Some granite is uniformly speckled, while other types are mostly one color. Choose simpler patterns for a modern look and more elaborate ones for traditional styles.

3. Carrara Marble 

Like granite, Carrara marble is a natural stone, and each piece is unique. However, this stone comes in one color scheme: white with grey veins. The finish of the marble also makes a difference. Polished options look more formal and honed or rough ones create a more laid back feel.

4. Striated Naxos

Striated Naxos is a white marble sourced in Greece that has tightly packed striations, or lines, that give it a subtle crackle look. Although it’s all white, the striations give it visual interest and a modern feel. When using this stone, minimize grout lines—the substance between tiles that hold them in place—to keep a continuous look.

5. Tesserae Mosaic

Tesserae mosaic is a pattern created by tiny pieces of colored stone. The tiles come in a variety of patterns, such as fish scale or damask. Match the scale of the pattern to the size of your room. For example, a large room should have a larger scale pattern so it can be seen and appreciated from far away; smaller rooms can use a smaller pattern so it can be seen fully.

If you are looking to upgrade your fireplace, contact the design experts at Stone World at Red Bank in Monmouth County, NJ. Their experienced staff will help you choose from their over 300 in-stock options and craft your fireplace surround. Call 732-383-5110 to speak to a member of their team, or visit them online to learn more about their services.