Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. Some tabletop fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a discreet 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 instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fireplace accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.