Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can 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, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls 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 in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery White Fireplace swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.