Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace inserts. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some 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 or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique 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 a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a tabletop fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning in a ethanol fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, Ethanol fires which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

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

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.