Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

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

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for Fireplacesandstoves.uk a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.

If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available 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 a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.