Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric wall mounted fireplace fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited 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 also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is 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 fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches 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 resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.