Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall fires which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

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 can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace stove. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces shop. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting 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 are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important 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 are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.