Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

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

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually 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.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace insert surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

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 choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the bioethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white fireplace swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall fireplace of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.