Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed tabletop fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and fires gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes 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 centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces shop that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.