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 space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include 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.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace electric is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring bioethanol fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

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

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm 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 safe away from the opening of the fireplace electric and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for Wall Fires your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.