Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for 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 can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace inserts can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches 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 the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer 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 keep its elegance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

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

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.