Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of 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 ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace suite. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces wooden.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or Ethonal fire look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.