Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult 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 result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, Fireplaces Shop marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety 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 that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.