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 home regardless of whether you have electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood ethanol fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and Fireplace Insert DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace suites surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates 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 perfect match to your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

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 area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. 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 that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.