11 Strategies To Completely Defy Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

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

You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when placed next to a bioethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for ethanol fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.