Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric fireplaces 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 is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, fireplace rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.

When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a Marble Fireplace (Http://Www.Spacecube.Co.Kr/Bbs/Board.Php?Bo_Table=Free&Wr_Id=198107), be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.

Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace suites can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.

If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

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

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could 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 located away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.