Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

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

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap 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 sell them frequently.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace’s surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don’t warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.

If you’re considering a marble fireplace (www.fireplacesandstoves.uk) it is important to select the color that is compatible with 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 a classy look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don’t want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is 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 pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it’s important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it’s easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you’ve chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn’t safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you’ll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.