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 electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some freestanding fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong thick 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 fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential 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 codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the 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 accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. marble fireplaces - look here, work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with 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 deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.