11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.

The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.

There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace insert's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds work well with 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 stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace insert surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious 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 best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you're considering a marble fireplace (Eklogesonline published a blog post) you'll need 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 combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.

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

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and fireplaces Electric works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.

It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.