11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for bioethanol fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace 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 often cheaper than wood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.

If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood fireplaces trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces electric. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces shop.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.