Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood 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 damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces, click this, work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches 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 an elegant style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired 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 appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.