Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace suites surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. marble fireplace is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace insert surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.