Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in contemporary, 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 is an essential piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

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

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone fireplaces that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring ethonal fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add 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 for a classic look.

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 the flue. This is particularly beneficial for cheap fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located 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 for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.