Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set to the wall fireplace flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (article source) work well in open floor plans, introducing 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 as the bioethanol fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared for 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 the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace electric surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over 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 further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.