Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily 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 the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a wood fireplace inserts surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall fires. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at 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 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 not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp 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 within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden 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 provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.

Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.