Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

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 budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

stone fireplaces surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace suites gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer 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 regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types 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 used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the 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 attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.