Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great 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 because 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 can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn'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 has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, 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 durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces shop. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces electric. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and 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. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces electric that are gas-powered.

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

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.