Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon 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. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas 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, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. marble fireplaces (you could check here) work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

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

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces shop. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for Marble fireplaces any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for bio-fireplace smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.