Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

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

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace inserts a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, 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's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern fireplace gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces wooden.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces 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 as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.