Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood 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 is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

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

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or bioethanol fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall fireplace focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic 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 not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white fireplace and grey. This granite is 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 greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure 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 can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up 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 have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as 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 ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.