Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have an electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. 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 electric fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fires.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase 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 pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless option 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, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before 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 a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the bioethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace insert 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 an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.