Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. 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 act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. 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 a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a bioethanol fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication 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 room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble fireplaces if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces wood. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

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

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.