Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal 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, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any freestanding fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces wooden. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white fireplace and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.