Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed at 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 region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble ethanol fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to 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 or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very 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 breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.