Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your ethanol fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fires fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

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, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace suites into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want 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 such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent 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 provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace suite surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different 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 typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.