Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, Wall Fireplace it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for Marble fireplaces fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the freestanding fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. 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 additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. 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. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and 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 a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.