Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace insert surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on bioethanol fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability 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 also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

stone fireplaces surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces electric. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.