Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have Electric Firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great choice 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 fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and Ethanol Fireplaces also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for fireplace Suite your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rsurrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color electric firesuite that is compatible with 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 swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

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

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.