Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

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

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

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting 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. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

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

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace (you could try these out) be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the bioethanol fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall fires accent in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and fireplace suites brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

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 located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.