Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

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

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace electric to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble fireplaces, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great 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, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

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 an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning ethanol fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

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

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.