Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic style 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. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. 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 perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
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. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. marble fireplaces (get more info) work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It is 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 breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful 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 such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces wood that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.