Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace stove. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for more money.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces electric. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a ethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the 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 would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.