Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.

Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern fireplace, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely duraboom. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the ethonal fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace insert and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.

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 the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.