Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or marble Fireplaces farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you choose to install a marble fire place, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

granite fireplaces is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and Marble fireplaces is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for minimalist fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could 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 more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.