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 fireplaces fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace insert to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace stove. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will 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 electric fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when placed next to a electric fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles 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 beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance 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 planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.