Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace inserts. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. 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 resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace insert. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, 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 many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it 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 need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.