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 an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which 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 of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and wooden Fireplaces won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone fireplaces that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery White Fireplace swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors 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 is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples 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 derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the freestanding fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.