Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which 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 wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace suite surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

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

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces shop. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or Marble fireplaces warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles 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.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for one wall fires in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. 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 isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.