11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall fires, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to bioethanol fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace [175 explained in a blog post], be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing 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 a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.

Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly 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 is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.