Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace suite surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace stove is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.