Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall fireplace. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid 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 shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces wooden work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.