Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

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

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

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

You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.