Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or bioethanol fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements 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 swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. 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 another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the bioethanol fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great 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 range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace electric surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.