Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different 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 kind of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you suggestions on this.