Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once 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 variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your tabletop fireplace surround. These include granite and marble fireplace. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the bioethanol fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer guidance on this.