Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your bio ethanol fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall mount fireplace, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for bio ethanol fireplace neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to 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 another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.