Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and Marble fireplaces swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable andhas gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired 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 softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace inserts made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace inserts. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.