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 fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

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 a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like 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 go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to 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 natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces shop. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround 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. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.