Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace stove surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces shop. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or Marble Fireplaces shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can 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 and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like pots or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.
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