Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric Firesuite fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style 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, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace stove 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 for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace stove surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and white fireplace rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. 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.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning in a tabletop fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. 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 can be paired with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.