The 10 Most Dismal Fireplace Surrounds Failures Of All Time Could Have…

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, fire place in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance 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 impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. 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 but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.

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

The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.