Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood fireplace burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial 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 determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt 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 electric. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might 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 beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.