Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric fires or wood-burning freestanding fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are often sold as complete surrounds, marble fireplace that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their freestanding fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that 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 wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. 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 for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.