Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace stove can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive 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 pick from various shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable choice 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 house.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces shop. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces shop.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
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 is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.