Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold 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 stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing 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 gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces wood. 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 offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces shop that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will 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 plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.