11 Ways To Fully Defy Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.

Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because 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 within the room and breaks walls that might 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 hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known 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 warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace suite surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely 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 provides the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

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. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.

Marble

marble fireplace is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white fireplace swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for 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 that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting 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 that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.