Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is one 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 easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong solid wood fireplaces that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include 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 provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

stone fireplaces surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (s4Me.Info) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the ethonal fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces wood. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design 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.

You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.