Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

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

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

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

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace inserts regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace electric and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

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

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then 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.