Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or Fireplace Stove farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance 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 the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for more money.

You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stis gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to 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 another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

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

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood fireplaces to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

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

You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.