ARK
MUSIC

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, classy fireplaces a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.

When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually 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 like Pureglow offer them often.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can choose from a wide range 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 minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal 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. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble classy fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from 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 customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for construction fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.

When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.