Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the family room fireplaces and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for Outdoor fireplaces fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and Outdoor fireplaces class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled outdoor fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace construction.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.