20 Trailblazers Are Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.

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

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace suite. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the bioethanol fire goes 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, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider 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 sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but 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 that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.