Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall fireplace that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.

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

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

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

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 firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

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

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning ethanol fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces electric are a great addition to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as 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 comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble fireplaces looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great 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 add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.