Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your freestanding fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

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 range of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

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 in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

A fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and electric fireplace - learn here, requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for Fireplaces Fireplace that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.