Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace electric surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the ethonal fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great 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 impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that can 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 an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a ethanol fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. 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 is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.