Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when 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 fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

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

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

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

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplaces fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace suite has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements 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 rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

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

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace Stove surrounds are available in a variety 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 the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.