Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

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

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to install a marble ethonal fire place, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive 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 around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, biofireplace consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces shop.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.