Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone fireplaces surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging 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.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace (from Hanhezy) has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces electric. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

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. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can 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 help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.