Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
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. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable 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 frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds 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 room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more 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, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.