Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A tabletop fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices 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 issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired 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 earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent 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 add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone fireplaces which helps keep the area surrounding the ethanol fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

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

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.