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 electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing 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 option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback 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. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes 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 an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for double-sided fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

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

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and Marble Fireplaces does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.