Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplaces fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall fires. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace suites surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements 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 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 go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone fireplaces, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often 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 crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.