Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance some tabletop fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

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

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, 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 an increased price.

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

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack 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 affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or 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 spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring 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, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces electric that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are 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 provide guidance on this.