Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an Electric Firesuite or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.

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

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace stove surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor plans. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners 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 if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a bioethanol fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace inserts surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or 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 without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

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