Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy. Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted. Wood A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. electric fireplace wall surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over. It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it. The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage. The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently. It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in. Stone A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price. You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood. Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element. Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home. One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard. Marble Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones. Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste. If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles. If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative. Granite Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme 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 free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure. Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room. Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining. If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain. Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries. Steel A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look. A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates 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 are available in a variety 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 provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room. Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace. Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room. When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.
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