Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. 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 protects against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This 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 with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning ethonal fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even 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 an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.