Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace insert surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood 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 match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for many years 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 and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall fireplace accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for ethanol fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of 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 depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace insert opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.