Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the bioethanol fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace inserts surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use 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 ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning 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's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases 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 opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.