Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace suites surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or ethonal fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

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

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of 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 the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace suites.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.