Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as freestanding fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace inserts surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option 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.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be 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 a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces (view website) work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the bioethanol fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to match your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces electric. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main 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 appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces wooden.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.