Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements 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 appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first 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 an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple 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 igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can 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 beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.