Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it 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 has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can 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, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood fireplaces and gas ethanol fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of 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, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall fires in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration 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 a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.