Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fire fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall fireplace. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include 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.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also 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 both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (from Blog Eye) work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose 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 look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the ethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a ethanol fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, White Fireplace that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over 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 does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.