Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace insert surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

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 range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

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

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them 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 add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for 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 fire space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to 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 water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

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

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.