Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring 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 natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice 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 offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.