Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

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

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace insert with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the ethonal fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a ethonal fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace inserts can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.