Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should 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 upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to 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 and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped as the fire 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 ideal design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

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

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and fireplacesandstove.com is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for 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 extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.