Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into 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 within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

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

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color White Fireplace or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you choose 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 when paired 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 home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for cheap fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.