Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas functional fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and Romance Fireplaces requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for Romance Fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select 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 complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over 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 ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.