Carole Kinsella

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace suite surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.

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

Other types of tabletop fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces shop. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble ethanol fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great 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 susceptible to stains than other materials, electric Fireplace and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice 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 wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design 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 pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is essential 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 does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.