Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace electric surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set 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 home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount 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 provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces Wood (Veterinarians.cc). They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace stove into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should 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 commit to constant maintenance.
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 resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.