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 an electric or wood fireplaces-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these 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. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, pattd of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white fireplace and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace insert surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't 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 have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer advice on this.