11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

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

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by electric fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.

One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you decide to install a marble fire place you should 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, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior wooden fireplaces to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area 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 ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over 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 does not extend 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'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer advice on this.