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 space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace stove surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and Electric Fireplace marble. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood ethanol fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern fireplace gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.