11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and 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 kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for bioethanol fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. 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 can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace electric into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace (linked web page), be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for ethanol fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used 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 tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to take into account 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 a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.