Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace suites can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall fires focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.