Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround 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 can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace inserts with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the ethanol fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and marble fireplace requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and marble fireplace is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for 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 not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.