Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is 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 kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and electric firesuite, Starleta.xyz, style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time 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 beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the ethonal fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone 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 keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace stove can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid 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 looks stunning next to a roaring bioethanol fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.