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 transform the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

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

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. 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 these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, Fireplace renovation patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your Fireplace Renovation surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas relaxation fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble minimalist fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor plans. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color fireplace renovation that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products 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 ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, 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 another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

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

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.