11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.

It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

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

Other kinds of fireplace insert surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, Modern Fireplace making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect 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 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 look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape 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 one wall fires in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces wood.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range 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 room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.