Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. 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 a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or fireplaces shop crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large 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 extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.