Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that fits 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. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your marble fireplace, marble Fireplaces be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble fireplace cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before 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 a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and Marble Fireplaces creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by 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 vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.