Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break 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 is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, 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 can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

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

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace suite into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor designs. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to install a marble bioethanol fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces Wood. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace suite. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features 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 an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional 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 down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.