Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or marble Fireplaces farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

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

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a highe style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning 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 great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white fireplace swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 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 are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces wooden that use gas.

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

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.