Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

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

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line 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 sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers 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. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and ethanol fireplace cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for fireplaces Wooden extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces 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 located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.