Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can 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, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and marble fireplace are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the electric fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.