Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, tabletop fireplace a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious 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.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause a ethanol fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first 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 economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock 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, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or 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 choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.