Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick 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 damage caused by fungi and fungus.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplaces fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed Tabletop Fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for an increased price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.