24 Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. 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 air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.

You can pick 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 period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace 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 time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and Wall Fires class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, Ethanol fireplaces such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is another 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 to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning bioethanol fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.