Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

wood fireplaces

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it’s essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace’s surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace’s surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces wooden. They can withstand high temperatures and don’t warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you’re considering a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don’t want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that’s formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It’s rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed 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 a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.

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

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for ethanol Fireplaces smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.