Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. 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 choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. 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, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located 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 or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace insert surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood fireplace trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces wood. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without 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 add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for ethanol fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.