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, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically 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. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for ethonal fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for more money.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worte fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone fireplaces that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and Stone fireplaces black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace suites surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.