Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

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

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style 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 from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble Fireplaces - bookmarkswing.com - work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of 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 such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional 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 etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

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

You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace stove is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace inserts opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.