Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly 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, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning ethanol fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so 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 is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in 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, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for Wood Fireplace some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of colors 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 is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent 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 next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with 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 using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.