Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace suites surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and Marble fireplaces design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, electric Fireplaces which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by ethanol fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful 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 decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and Fireplaces bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many 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. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

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

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

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

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for 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 help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.