Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because 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 also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away 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 strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood fireplaces are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble ethanol fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available 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 constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for Fireplaces Wooden a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.