11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing fireplace inserts Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.

Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace suites surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping 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 available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches 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 would otherwise damage other surfaces.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.

Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features 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 igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for cheap fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.

Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.