Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount 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 higher degree of beauty and durability, marble fireplace making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custohe ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some 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 type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm 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 ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.