Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning ethanol fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the ethonal fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to 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 as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning 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, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.