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 regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and Electric fireplace are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors 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 create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of 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 an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has 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 enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots 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 put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.