Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace inserts surround it is important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away 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 the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace insert surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.
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 contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. 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 fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great 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.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for ethanol fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.