Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace insert made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a wide array 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 fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. 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 a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.