Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall fires while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces (read review) work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of 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, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall fireplace of a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.