Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplaces fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace insert in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about 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 sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include 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 smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.