Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric 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 because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack 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 abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not 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 fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in 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 home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for cheap fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.