Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace electric surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. 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 be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be set 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, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little 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 range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning Fireplaces fireplace. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.

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

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

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

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic 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 resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white fireplace and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and fire; forum.Ici-cn.com, is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.