Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are 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 dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood cozy fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and [empty] finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. 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 accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range 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 withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, [empty] however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. 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 are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.