Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls 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 are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for bioethanol fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your freestanding fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a ethanol fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a ethanol fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.