Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace stove can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

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 fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and marble fireplaces warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stones for Marble fireplaces your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. marble fireplaces (forums.spacewars.com) work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products 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 that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white fireplace, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled electric fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.