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 electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.

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

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products 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 an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that was 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's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces wood that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

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

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more 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, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.