Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

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

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should 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 the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace (www.fireplacesandstoves.uk), be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used 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 creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.