Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of 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 surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

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

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.