Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

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

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage 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 could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider 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 a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.