Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace insert surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also improve 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.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wooden fireplaces (yatesrelates.com) wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone fireplaces is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to 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 is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, 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 room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider 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 isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.