Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fire or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle 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 vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
marble fireplace is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the bioethanol fire has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you decide to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace insert made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. 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 for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try 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 igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles 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 can be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less costly and is 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 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 are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.