Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.