Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

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 because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

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

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, Fires elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke 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 clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.