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 space. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at several DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

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

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces Price Uk using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider 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 wouldn't be safe or 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 provide suggestions on this.