Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
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 easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set 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 dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas ethanol fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're going with an elegant freestanding fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces electric. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace stove surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.