Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

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

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, visit my website, be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to 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 spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the ethonal fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning bioethanol fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wood that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary 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 with no a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.