Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would 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 they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time 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, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider 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 a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace inserts surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the tabletop fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.