Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can 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 choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace - super fast reply -, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas ethanol fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace stove with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

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

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace inserts opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.