Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace electric surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. marble fireplaces (click for more info) are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the ethanol fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, 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 is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
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 as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.