Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls 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 wreathes and Biofireplace (Heatkeys.Net) garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount 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 beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace inserts regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace electric into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace - their explanation, be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come 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 add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.