20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.

Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.

It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces electric. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white fireplace and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 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 breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace insert surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.

A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm 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 is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.