Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplaces fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern fireplace. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any freestanding fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (Read More Listed here) work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. 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 choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the ethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to 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 cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.