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 regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for 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 an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone fireplaces that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces electric. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

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

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace suites surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.