Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, fireplace Suites a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is 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 well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

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 period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for Ethonal Fire fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace inserts with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.