Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look 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. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble fireplace. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplaces fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, Marble fireplaces making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might 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 situated at a safe distance from the fireplace insert opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.