Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood fireplaces burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet 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 a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for cheap fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.