Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or Fireplace Suite wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, 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 fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall fires. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone Fireplaces surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace inserts into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.