Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall fires.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. 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 stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

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

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace suites area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide 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 should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces electric using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.