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. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed electric fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the ethonal fire (one-bookmark.com) goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble freestanding fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any electric fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is 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 offer guidance on this.