Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. However, finding a electric fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. 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 stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's 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.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to electric fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble fireplace it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of 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 classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall fires accent in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed 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 has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.