Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
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 can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is important to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your tabletop fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent 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 impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces electric. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces Wood. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace electric area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or 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 install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.