Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace suites clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas ethanol fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and fireplaces is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.