Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone fireplaces, creating an exclusive 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 are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood fireplaces trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean 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 another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black 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 one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.