Carole Kinsella

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Fireplace Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select 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 also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. 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 function as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

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

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace insert surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

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

Marble

Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace (click to read) you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces wooden. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall fireplace accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

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

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

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

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.