Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace suites surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace insert on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. marble fireplaces - my latest blog post, work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble fireplace is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

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

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using 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 look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace insert surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.