Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood fireplaces-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

You can choose from a range of stone options for your ethanol fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.

If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the ethonal fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand Marble fireplaces the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose 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 can vary 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 is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.