Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, Marble fireplace it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that 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 of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of naes other design elements in the room. White marble is 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 relaxed 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 to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it 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 hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for cheap fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel 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 is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace inserts surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.