Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect 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 with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or fireplace Insert regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. marble fireplaces (Check Out Checkrain) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace stove made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe 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 a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm 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 design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. 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 may also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces shop that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.