Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for 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 air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the ethanol fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.