Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace electric surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace 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 it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace stove for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat 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 different shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.
marble fireplaces
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well 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 work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in 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 deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace insert. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high 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 the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
The classic appearance 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 various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel ethanol fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter 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 for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.