Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning cheap fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for tabletop fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

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 can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (click this) work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the ethanol fire safe from the 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 think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.