Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. stone fireplaces surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with 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 combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, 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.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood fireplaces for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for ethanol fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

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

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.