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. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of wood Fireplace (www.fireplacesandstoves.uk) surround is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for 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 does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.