Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't 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 as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning ethanol fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces wood (47.108.151.104) are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color 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 look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, fire you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from 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 white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that 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 add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.