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 electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is 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 keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you choose to go with a marble ethanol fire place, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace insert. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern fireplace design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces shop that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.