Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice 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 is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces wooden. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, 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 style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace suites is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.