Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act 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 strong and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before 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 a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great option for reading nook fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and Marble fireplaces harm its surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 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 main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, Marble fireplaces which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.