Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace electric, the perfect surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall fireplace while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding 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 absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with 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 deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for Marble fireplaces extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning in a tabletop fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.